[116th Congress Public Law 214]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page 1025]]
VETERANS COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTION,
ACCESS TO CARE, AND TREATMENT
ACT OF 2020
[[Page 134 STAT. 1026]]
Public Law 116-214
116th Congress
An Act
To make certain improvements relating to the transition of individuals
to services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention
for veterans, and care and services for women veterans, and for other
purposes. <<NOTE: Dec. 5, 2020 - [H.R. 8247]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Veterans
Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020.>>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) <<NOTE: 38 USC 101 note.>> Short Title.--This Act may be cited
as the ``Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and
Treatment Act of 2020'' or the ``Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Sec. 101. Pilot program on information sharing between Department of
Veterans Affairs and designated relatives and friends of
veterans regarding assistance and benefits available to the
veterans.
Sec. 102. Annual report on Solid Start program of Department of Veterans
Affairs.
TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION
Sec. 201. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of emergent suicide
care.
Sec. 202. Education program for family members and caregivers of
veterans with mental health disorders.
Sec. 203. Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans.
Sec. 204. Contact of certain veterans to encourage receipt of
comprehensive medical examinations.
Sec. 205. Police crisis intervention training of Department of Veterans
Affairs.
TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS
Sec. 301. Gap analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs programs that
provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless.
Sec. 302. Report on locations where women veterans are using health care
from Department of Veterans Affairs.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1027]]
TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
SEC. 101. <<NOTE: 38 USC 6303 note.>> PILOT PROGRAM ON
INFORMATION SHARING BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DESIGNATED RELATIVES
AND FRIENDS OF VETERANS REGARDING
ASSISTANCE AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE
VETERANS.
(a) Pilot Program Required.--
(1) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> In general.--Not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall commence carrying out a pilot
program--
(A) to encourage members of the Armed Forces who are
transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to
civilian life, before separating from such service, to
designate up to 10 persons to whom information regarding
the assistance and benefits available to the veterans
under laws administered by the Secretary shall be
disseminated using the contact information obtained
under paragraph (7); and
(B) <<NOTE: Time period.>> provides such persons,
within 30 days after the date on which such persons are
designated under subparagraph (A), the option to elect
to receive such information.
(2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
program during a period beginning on the date of the
commencement of the pilot program that is not less than two
years.
(3) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall disseminate
information described in paragraph (1)(A) under the pilot
program no less than quarterly.
(4) Types of information.--The types of information to be
disseminated under the pilot program to persons who elect to
receive such information shall include information regarding the
following:
(A) Services and benefits offered to veterans and
their family members by the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
(B) Challenges and stresses that might accompany
transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to
civilian life.
(C) Services available to veterans and their family
members to cope with the experiences and challenges of
service in the Armed Forces and transition from such
service to civilian life.
(D) Services available through community partner
organizations to support veterans and their family
members.
(E) Services available through Federal, State, and
local government agencies to support veterans and their
family members.
(F) The environmental health registry program,
health and wellness programs, and resources for
preventing and managing diseases and illnesses.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1028]]
(G) A toll-free telephone number through which such
persons who elect to receive information under the pilot
program may request information regarding the program.
(H) <<NOTE: Consultation. Determination.>> Such
other matters as the Secretary, in consultation with
members of the Armed Forces and such persons who elect
to receive information under the pilot program,
determines to be appropriate.
(5) Privacy of information.--In carrying out the pilot
program, the Secretary may not disseminate information under
paragraph (4) in violation of laws and regulations pertaining to
the privacy of members of the Armed Forces, including
requirements pursuant to--
(A) section 552a of title 5, United States Code; and
(B) the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191).
(6) Notice and modifications.--In carrying out the pilot
program, the Secretary shall, with respect to a veteran--
(A) ensure that such veteran is notified of the
ability to modify designations made by such veteran
under paragraph (1)(A); and
(B) upon the request of a veteran, authorize such
veteran to modify such designations at any time.
(7) Contact information.--In making a designation under the
pilot program, a veteran shall provide necessary contact
information, specifically including an email address, to
facilitate the dissemination of information regarding the
assistance and benefits available to the veteran under laws
administered by the Secretary.
(8) Opt-in and opt-out of pilot program.--
(A) Opt-in by members.--A veteran may participate in
the pilot program only if the veteran voluntarily elects
to participate in the program. A veteran seeking to make
such an election shall make such election in a manner,
and by including such information, as the Secretary
shall specify for purposes of the pilot program.
(B) Opt-in by designated recipients.--A person
designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) may receive
information under the pilot program only if the person
makes the election described in paragraph (1)(B).
(C) Opt-out.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
Secretary shall, with respect to a person who has
elected to receive information under such pilot program,
cease disseminating such information to that person upon
request of such person.
(b) Survey and Report on Pilot Program.--
(1) Survey.--
(A) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> In general.--Not later than
one year after the date of the commencement of the pilot
program and not less frequently than once each year
thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the
Secretary shall administer a survey to persons who ever
elected to receive information under the pilot program
for the purpose of receiving feedback regarding the
quality of information disseminated under this section.
(B) Elements.--Each survey conducted under
subparagraph (A) shall include solicitation of the
following:
(i) Feedback on the following:
[[Page 134 STAT. 1029]]
(I) The nature of information
disseminated under the pilot program.
(II) Satisfaction with the pilot
program.
(III) The utility of the pilot
program.
(IV) Overall pilot program successes
and challenges.
(ii) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>
Recommendations for improving the pilot program.
(iii) Reasons for opting in or out of the
pilot program.
(iv) Such other feedback or matters as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than three years after
the date on which the pilot program commences, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a
final report on the pilot program.
(B) Contents.--The report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i) The results of the survey administered
under paragraph (1).
(ii) The number of participants enrolled in
the pilot program who are veterans.
(iii) The number of persons designated under
subsection (a)(1)(A).
(iv) The number of such persons who opted in
or out of the pilot program under subsection
(a)(8).
(v) The average period such persons remained
in the pilot program.
(vi) <<NOTE: Assessment.>> An assessment of
the feasibility and advisability of making the
pilot program permanent.
(vii) Identification of legislative or
administrative action that may be necessary if the
pilot program is made permanent.
(viii) <<NOTE: Plan.>> A plan to expand the
pilot program if the pilot program is made
permanent.
(ix) If the Secretary finds under clause (vi)
that making the pilot program permanent is not
feasible or advisable, a justification for such
finding.
SEC. 102. ANNUAL REPORT ON SOLID START PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) <<NOTE: Time period.>> Reports Required.--Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter for a period of five years, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
House of Representatives a report on the Solid Start program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall include the
following:
(1) With respect to each veteran called or emailed under the
Solid Start program:
(A) The Armed Force in which the veteran served.
(B) Age.
(C) Gender.
(D) Whether the veteran responded to the call or
email.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1030]]
(E) Whether the call or email resulted in a call to
the Veterans Crisis Line established pursuant to section
1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code.
(F) Whether the call or email resulted in a referral
to--
(i) compensation and pension determination;
(ii) enrollment in the patient enrollment
system of the Department; or
(iii) any other program or benefit under the
laws administered by the Secretary.
(2) Any change to the Solid Start program implemented by the
Secretary since the date of the previous such report.
(c) Prohibition on Personally Identifiable Information.--No report
under subsection (a) may contain any personally identifiable information
regarding a veteran.
TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION
SEC. 201. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF EMERGENT
SUICIDE CARE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1720J. <<NOTE: 38 USC 1720J.>> Emergent suicide care
``(a) Emergent Suicide Care.--Pursuant to this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) furnish emergent suicide care to an eligible
individual at a medical facility of the Department;
``(2) pay for emergent suicide care provided to an eligible
individual at a non-Department facility; and
``(3) <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> reimburse an eligible
individual for emergent suicide care provided to the eligible
individual at a non-Department facility.
``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible for emergent suicide
care under subsection (a) if the individual is in an acute suicidal
crisis and is either of the following:
``(1) A veteran (as defined in section 101).
``(2) An individual described in section 1720I(b) of this
title.
``(c) Period of Care.--(1) Emergent suicide care provided under
subsection (a) shall be furnished to an eligible individual--
``(A) through inpatient or crisis residential care, for a
period not to exceed 30 days; or
``(B) if care under subparagraph (A) is unavailable, or if
such care is not clinically appropriate, as outpatient care for
a period not to exceed 90 days.
``(2) <<NOTE: Determination.>> If, upon the expiration of a period
under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that the eligible
individual remains in an acute suicidal crisis, the Secretary may extend
such period as the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(d) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Notification.--An eligible individual who
receives emergent suicide care under subsection (a) at a non-Department
facility (or a person acting on behalf of the individual) shall notify
the Secretary of such care within seven days of admission to such
facility.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1031]]
``(e) <<NOTE: Determinations.>> Outreach.--During any period when
an eligible individual is receiving emergent suicide care under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
``(1) <<NOTE: Notifications.>> ensure that--
``(A) in the case of an eligible individual whom the
Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek emergent suicide
care at a medical facility of the Department, the
Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide Prevention
Coordinator of such medical facility;
``(B) in the case of an eligible individual who
presents at a medical facility of the Department in an
acute suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the
Veterans Crisis Line, the Secretary notifies the Suicide
Prevention Coordinator;
``(C) in the case of an eligible individual whom the
Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek treatment at a
non-Department facility, the Veterans Crisis Line
notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the
Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the
Department located nearest to the eligible individual;
and
``(D) in the case of an eligible individual who
presents at a non-Department facility in an acute
suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the Veterans
Crisis Line and for whom the Secretary receives a
notification under subsection (d), the Secretary
notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the
Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the
Department located nearest to the eligible individual;
``(2) determine the eligibility of the eligible individual
for other programs and benefits under the laws administered by
the Secretary (or shall make such determination as soon as
practicable following the period of such emergent suicide care);
and
``(3) make referrals for care following the period of such
emergent suicide care, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(f) Prohibition on Charge.--(1) If the Secretary provides emergent
suicide care to an eligible individual under subsection (a), the
Secretary--
``(A) may not charge the eligible individual for any cost of
such emergent suicide care; and
``(B) <<NOTE: Payment.>> shall pay for any costs of
emergency transportation to a facility for such emergent suicide
care (as such costs are determined pursuant to section 1725 of
this title, to the extent practicable).
``(2)(A) <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> In addition to the requirements
of paragraph (1), if the Secretary pays for emergent suicide care
provided under subsection (a) to an eligible individual at a non-
Department facility, the Secretary shall reimburse the facility for the
reasonable value of such emergent suicide care.
``(B)(i) <<NOTE: Determination.>> In carrying out subparagraph (A),
the Secretary may determine the amount to reimburse a non-Department
facility in a similar manner to the manner in which the Secretary
determines reimbursement amounts for that non-Department facility for
medical care and services provided under another provision of this
chapter.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1032]]
``(ii) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> The requirements of section
1725(c)(3) of this title shall apply with respect to payments made under
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
``(3) In the case of an eligible individual who receives emergent
suicide care under this section and who is entitled to emergent suicide
care (or payment for emergent suicide care) under a health-plan
contract, the Secretary may recover the costs of such emergent suicide
care provided under this section, other than for such care for a
service-connected disability.
``(4) In carrying out subsection (d), the Secretary may not charge
an eligible individual for any cost of emergent suicide care provided
under subsection (a) solely by reason of the Secretary not having been
notified of such care pursuant to such subsection.
``(g) Annual Report.--Not less than once each year, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
the House of Representatives a report on emergent suicide care provided
under subsection (a). Each such report shall include, for the year
covered by the report--
``(1) the number of eligible individuals who received
emergent suicide care under subsection (a);
``(2) demographic information regarding eligible individuals
described in paragraph (1);
``(3) the types of care furnished or paid for this section;
and
``(4) the total cost of providing care under subsection (a).
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `acute suicidal crisis' means that an
individual was determined to be at imminent risk of self-harm by
a trained crisis responder or health care provider.
``(2) The term `crisis residential care' means crisis
stabilization care provided--
``(A) in a residential setting; and
``(B) in a facility other than a hospital.
``(3) The term `crisis stabilization care' includes, with
respect to an individual in acute suicidal crisis, care that
ensures, to the extent practicable, immediate safety and
reduces--
``(A) the severity of distress;
``(B) the need for urgent care; or
``(C) the likelihood that the distress under
subparagraph (A) or need under subparagraph (B) will
increase during the transfer of that individual from a
facility at which the individual has received care for
that acute suicidal crisis.
``(4) The term `emergent suicide care' means crisis
stabilization care provided to an eligible individual--
``(A) pursuant to a recommendation of the eligible
individual from the Veterans Crisis Line; or
``(B) who presents at a medical facility in an acute
suicidal crisis.
``(5) The term `health-plan contract' has the meaning given
such term in section 1725 of this title.
``(6) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the hotline
under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1033]]
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter <<NOTE: 38 USC 1701 prec.>> is amended by inserting after
the item relation to section 1720I the following new item:
``1720J. Emergent suicide care.''.
(c) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1720J note.>> Effective Date.--The Secretary
shall furnish or pay for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of
title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on
the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 202. <<NOTE: 38 USC 1720G note.>> EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR
FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS
WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS.
(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Establishment.--Not later than 270 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall establish an education program (in this section referred
to as the ``education program'') for the education and training of
caregivers and family members of eligible veterans with mental health
disorders.
(b) Education Program.--
(1) In general.--Under the education program, the Secretary
shall provide a course of education to caregivers and family
members of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with
mental health disorders in veterans.
(2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the education
program during the four-year period beginning on the date of the
commencement of the education program.
(3) Scope.--
(A) Caregivers.--The Secretary, with respect to the
component of the education program that relates to the
education and training of caregivers, shall--
(i) include such component in the training
provided pursuant to the program of comprehensive
assistance for family caregivers of the Department
of Veterans Affairs established under section
1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code; and
(ii) <<NOTE: Web posting.>> make such
component available on the Internet website of the
Department that relates to caregiver training.
(B) Family members.--The Secretary shall carry out
the component of the education program that relates to
the education and training of non-caregiver family
members at facilities of the Department as follows:
(i) Not less than five medical centers of the
Department.
(ii) Not less than five clinics of the
Department.
(iii) Not less than five Vet Centers (as
defined in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United
States Code).
(C) Solicitation of applications.--In selecting
locations pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary
shall solicit applications from eligible facilities of
the Department that are interested in carrying out the
education program.
(D) Considerations.--In selecting locations pursuant
to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall consider the
feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in
the following areas:
(i) Rural areas.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1034]]
(ii) Areas that are not in close proximity to
an active duty installation.
(iii) Areas in different geographic locations.
(4) Contracts.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out the education
program, the Secretary shall enter into contracts with
qualified entities described in subparagraph (B) to
offer the course of education described in paragraph (5)
to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans
and covered veterans.
(B) Qualified entity described.--A qualified entity
described in this subparagraph is a non-profit entity
with experience in mental health education and outreach,
including work with children, teens, and young adults,
that--
(i) uses high quality, relevant, and age-
appropriate information in educational
programming, materials, and coursework, including
such programming, materials, and coursework for
children, teens, and young adults; and
(ii) works with agencies, departments,
nonprofit mental health organizations, early
childhood educators, and mental health providers
to develop educational programming, materials, and
coursework.
(C) Priority.--In entering into contracts under this
paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to
qualified entities that have demonstrated cultural
competence in serving military and veteran populations,
and, to the extent practicable, use internet technology
for the delivery of course content in an effort to
expand the availability of support services, especially
in rural areas.
(5) Course of education described.--The course of education
described in this paragraph shall consist of curriculum that
includes the following:
(A) General education on different mental health
disorders, including information to improve
understanding of the experiences of individuals
suffering from such disorders.
(B) Techniques for handling crisis situations and
administering mental health first aid to individuals
suffering from a mental health disorder.
(C) Techniques for coping with the stress of living
with an individual suffering from a mental health
disorder.
(D) Information on additional services available for
family members and caregivers through the Department or
community organizations and providers related to mental
health disorders.
(E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(c) Surveys.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive
survey of the satisfaction of individuals that have participated
in the course of education described in subsection (b)(5). Such
survey shall include a solicitation of feedback on the
following:
(A) The general satisfaction of those individuals
with the education and assistance provided under the
education program.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1035]]
(B) The perceived effectiveness of the education
program in providing education and assistance that is
useful for those individuals.
(C) The applicability of the education program to
the issues faced by those individuals.
(D) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(2) Compilation of information.--The information compiled as
a result of the surveys conducted under paragraph (1) shall be--
(A) disaggregated by facility type at which the
education program was carried out; and
(B) included in the annual reports under subsection
(d)(1).
(d) Reports.--
(1) Annual reports.--
(A) In general.--Not later than one year after the
date of the commencement of the education program and
not later than September 30 each year thereafter until
2024, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report on--
(i) the education program; and
(ii) the feasibility and advisability of
expanding the education program to include the
establishment of a peer support program composed
of individuals who complete the education program
(in this section referred to as a ``peer support
program'').
(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i) The number of individuals that
participated in the course of education described
in subsection (b)(5) during the year preceding the
submission of the report.
(ii) <<NOTE: Analysis.>> A detailed analysis
of the surveys conducted under subsection (c) with
respect to the individuals described in clause
(i).
(iii) <<NOTE: Plans.>> Any plans for
expansion of the education program.
(iv) <<NOTE: Analysis.>> An analysis of the
feasibility and advisability of establishing a
peer support program.
(v) The interim findings and conclusions of
the Secretary with respect to the success of the
education program and the feasibility and
advisability of establishing a peer support
program.
(2) Final report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than one year after the
completion of the education program, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives and the Senate a final report
on the feasibility and advisability of continuing the
education program.
(B) <<NOTE: Analyses.>> Elements.--The final report
under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i) A detailed analysis of the surveys
conducted under subsection (c).
(ii) An analysis of the feasibility and
advisability of continuing the education program
without entering
[[Page 134 STAT. 1036]]
into contracts for the course of education
described in subsection (b)(5).
(iii) An analysis of the feasibility and
advisability of expanding the education program.
(iv) An analysis of the feasibility and
advisability of establishing a peer support
program.
(e) Monitoring of Program.--The Secretary shall select mental health
care providers of the Department to monitor the progress of the
instruction provided under the education program.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who is
enrolled in the health care system established under section
1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
(2) The terms ``caregiver'' and ``family member'' have the
meaning given those terms in section 1720G(d) of title 38,
United States Code.
SEC. 203. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR
VETERANS.
(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Establishment.--Not later than 18 months
after the date on which the national emergency declared by the President
pursuant to the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with
respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) expires, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a task force to be known
as the ``Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans'' (in this
section referred to as the ``Task Force'').
(b) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of the following
members or their designees:
(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(2) The Secretary of the Interior.
(3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(4) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(5) The Secretary of Defense.
(6) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
(7) The Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers.
(8) At least two representatives from veterans service
organizations.
(9) <<NOTE: Determination.>> Any other member that the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to be appropriate.
(c) Chairpersons.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the
Secretary of the Interior shall serve as co-chairpersons of the Task
Force (in this section referred to as the ``Chairpersons'').
(d) Duties.--
(1) Task force.--The duties of the Task Force shall be--
(A) to identify opportunities to formalize
coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs,
public land agencies, and partner organizations
regarding the use of public lands and other outdoor
spaces for facilitating health and wellness for
veterans;
(B) to identify barriers that exist to providing
veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of
services for health and wellness through the use of
outdoor recreation on public lands and other outdoor
spaces; and
(C) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> to develop
recommendations to better facilitate the use of public
lands and other outdoor spaces for promoting wellness
and facilitating the delivery of health care and
therapeutic interventions for veterans.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1037]]
(2) Consultation.--The Task Force shall carry out the duties
under paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate veterans
outdoor recreation groups.
(e) Reports.--
(1) Preliminary report.--Not later than one year after the
date on which the Task Force is established, the Chairpersons
shall submit to Congress a report on the preliminary findings of
the Task Force.
(2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the date of
the submission of the preliminary report under paragraph (1),
the Chairpersons shall submit to Congress a report on the
findings of the Task Force, which shall include the
recommendations developed under subsection (d)(1)(C).
(f) Duration.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date that is
one year after the date of the submission of the final report in
subsection (e)(2).
(g) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Task
Force.
(h) Public Lands Defined.--In this section, the term ``public
lands'' means any recreational lands under the jurisdiction of the
Federal Government or a State or local government.
SEC. 204. <<NOTE: 38 USC 1710 note.>> CONTACT OF CERTAIN VETERANS
TO ENCOURAGE RECEIPT OF COMPREHENSIVE
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Notice.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Health of the
Department of Veterans Affairs shall seek to contact each covered
veteran by mail, telephone, or email to encourage each covered veteran
to receive medical examinations including the following:
(1) A comprehensive physical examination.
(2) A comprehensive mental health examination.
(3) A comprehensive eye examination if the covered veteran
has not received such an examination in the year immediately
preceding the date of such examination.
(4) A comprehensive audiological examination if the covered
veteran has not received such an examination in the year
immediately preceding the date of such examination.
(b) Examinations.--
(1) Va health care facilities.--If a covered veteran elects
to receive more than one examination described in subsection (a)
at a health care facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs,
the Under Secretary of Health shall seek to furnish all such
scheduled examinations on the same day.
(2) Community care.--Pursuant to subsection (d) or (e) of
section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, a covered veteran
may receive an examination described in subsection (a) from a
health care provider described in subsection (c) of that
section.
(c) Transportation.--
(1) Beneficiary travel program.--Pursuant to section 111 of
title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
may pay for a rural covered veteran to travel to a health care
facility to receive an examination described in subsection (a).
(2) <<NOTE: Contracts.>> Shuttle service.--The Under
Secretary of Health shall seek to enter into agreements with
non-profit organizations
[[Page 134 STAT. 1038]]
to provide shuttle service to rural covered veterans for
examinations described in subsection (a).
(d) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to
Congress a report regarding how many covered veterans scheduled
examinations described in subsection (a) after receiving a letter,
telephone call, or email under that subsection.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran who--
(A) is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of
the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of
title 38, United States Code; and
(B) has not received health care furnished or paid
for by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the two
years immediately preceding the date in subsection
(a)(1).
(2) The term ``rural covered veteran'' means a covered
veteran--
(A) who lives in an area served by the Office of
Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(B) whom the Under Secretary of Health determines
requires assistance to travel to a health care facility
to receive an examination described in subsection (a).
(3) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in
section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 205. <<NOTE: 38 USC 902 note.>> POLICE CRISIS INTERVENTION
TRAINING OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Training.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide to
Department police officers an annual training on the prevention of
suicide among the population served by the Department police officers.
(b) <<NOTE: Updates.>> Curriculum.--In carrying out subsection (a),
the Secretary shall update any similar training provided before the date
of the enactment of this Act to ensure that the curriculum for the
training addresses, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Effective behavioral science procedures for suicide
prevention and risk mitigation.
(2) Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, including
through the use of interactive training.
(3) Information about mental health and substance abuse
disorders.
(4) Information about local law enforcement crisis
intervention teams and other resources for veterans experiencing
mental health crises available by the Department of Veterans
Affairs, other elements of the Federal Government, and the
community in which the police officers serve.
(c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall ensure that the annual
training provided to Department police officers at a medical facility of
the Department under subsection (a) is provided in consultation with law
enforcement training accreditation organizations and the mental health
experts at such facility.
(d) Plan on Community Partnerships.--The Secretary shall ensure that
each police force of a facility of the Department develops a plan to
enter into partnerships with--
(1) local community mental health organizations and experts,
local community veterans organizations, and local community
criminal justice organizations and experts; and
[[Page 134 STAT. 1039]]
(2) local police departments, including by facilitating the
sharing of training resources with crisis intervention teams of
the local police departments.
(e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the
annual training under subsection (a), including--
(1) a description of the curriculum of such training;
(2) with respect to the year preceding the date of the
report--
(A) the number of facilities of the Department that
conducted such training;
(B) the number of Department police officers who
received such training; and
(C) any barriers to ensuring that each Department
police officer receives such training;
(3) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> any recommendations to
address the barriers identified under paragraph (2)(C); and
(4) the number of facilities of the Department that have
entered into partnerships pursuant to subsection (d).
(f) Department Police Officer Defined.--In this section, the term
``Department police officer'' means an employee of the Department of
Veterans Affairs specified in section 902(a) of title 38, United States
Code.
TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS
SEC. 301. GAP ANALYSIS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAMS
THAT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN VETERANS
WHO ARE HOMELESS.
(a) Analysis.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete an
analysis of programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs that provide
assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to
identify the areas in which such programs are failing to meet the needs
of such women.
(b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the
analysis completed under subsection (a).
SEC. 302. <<NOTE: 38 USC 1710 note.>> REPORT ON LOCATIONS WHERE
WOMEN VETERANS ARE USING HEALTH CARE FROM
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report on the use by women veterans of
health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Elements.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following information:
(1) The number of women veterans who reside in each State.
[[Page 134 STAT. 1040]]
(2) The number of women veterans in each State who are
enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department
under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
(3) Of the women veterans who are so enrolled, the number
who have received health care under the laws administered by the
Secretary at least one time during the one-year period preceding
the submission of the report.
(4) The number of women veterans who have been seen at each
medical facility of the Department during such year,
disaggregated by facility.
(5) The number of appointments that women veterans have had
at a medical facility of the Department during such year,
disaggregated by--
(A) facility; and
(B) appointments for--
(i) primary care;
(ii) specialty care; and
(iii) mental health care.
(6) For each appointment type specified in paragraph (5)(B),
the number of appointments completed in-person and the number of
appointments completed through the use of telehealth.
(7) If known, an identification of the medical facility of
the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with
the largest rate of increase in patient population of women
veterans as measured by the increase in unique women veteran
patient use.
(8) If known, an identification of the medical facility of
the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with
the largest rate of decrease in patient population of women
veterans as measured by the decrease in unique women veterans
patient use.
Approved December 5, 2020.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 8247:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 166 (2020):
Sept. 23, considered and passed House.
Nov. 10, considered and passed Senate.
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2020):
Dec. 5, Presidential statement.
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