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119-hr-1290119th CongressWALLET
Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
In Committee
Summary
A three-year pilot to refer veterans in mental health crisis to approved non-VA mental health providers. The bill would require the VA to create a fast referral system, set criteria for approving outside providers, hire staff if needed, and train VA and Vet Center employees on the system.
Show full summary
- Veterans: Veterans in crisis would receive referrals to approved non-VA mental health providers with a goal of getting care within one week. The pilot must operate in at least three geographic locations over three years.
- VA staff and operations: VA and Vet Center staff would get training and the VA could hire additional employees to develop and maintain the referral system and manage referrals.
- Oversight and funding: The Secretary must submit annual reports on the number of referrals, average wait times, and veteran satisfaction, plus a final evaluation with recommendations. The bill authorizes $3.0 million for each of fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027 to carry out the pilot.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster crisis care referrals for veterans
If enacted, the VA would run a three-year pilot to refer veterans in mental health crisis to approved non-VA providers. Vet Centers and VA medical facilities would offer these referrals. The pilot would start within 180 days and operate in at least three locations. Referred veterans would be connected to a provider within one week. The VA would set approval rules for providers, hire needed staff, and train employees. The VA would send yearly reports to Congress within six months after each pilot year, plus a final report 180 days after the pilot ends. The bill would authorize $3 million per year for FY2025, FY2026, and FY2027; actual spending would still depend on later appropriations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]
NC • R
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov