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119-hr-10648119th CongressWALLET

Veterans’ Mental Health Access Act

Sponsored By: Representative Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]

In Committee

Summary

24-hour access to inpatient mental health care for eligible veterans would be required. The bill would make inpatient treatment for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or substance abuse available at the nearest VA medical center or through the Veterans Community Care Program and it would require public reporting of wait times every six months.

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  • Veterans: Eligible veterans would be able to get inpatient care for PTSD, depression, or substance abuse no later than 24 hours after requesting treatment or after a provider prescribes it.
  • Families and caregivers: Families would see faster access to crisis care and would get regular transparency because the VA must publish wait-time reports every six months.
  • VA and community providers: The VA and participating community providers would be required to furnish inpatient care tied to the veteran's nearest VA medical center under the Veterans Community Care Program.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster inpatient mental health care for veterans

If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide inpatient treatment for a mental health condition to covered veterans within 24 hours after the veteran requests care or a health care provider prescribes it. Covered care would include inpatient treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Care would be provided at the VA medical center or hospital closest to the veteran's residence where the care is offered, or through the Veterans Community Care Program. The VA would have to publish a report every six months on a VA website showing wait times for this inpatient care in VA centers and the community care program. The bill does not specify new funding or a phase-in schedule.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]

CO • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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