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[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8247 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.R.8247

                     One Hundred Sixteenth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America

                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

           Begun and held at the City of Washington on Friday,
            the third day of January, two thousand and twenty

                                 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.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
    (a) 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.

  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.
    (a) Pilot Program Required.--
        (1) 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) 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.
            (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) 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) 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:

                    (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) 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) 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) 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) 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.
            (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. 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) 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) 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) 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.
    ``(e) Outreach.--During any period when an eligible individual is 
receiving emergent suicide care under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall--
        ``(1) 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) 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) 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) 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.
    ``(ii) 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.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relation to section 
1720I the following new item:

``1720J. Emergent suicide care.''.

    (c) 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. EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF 
      VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS.
    (a) 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) 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.
                (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.
            (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) A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under 
            subsection (c) with respect to the individuals described in 
            clause (i).
                (iii) Any plans for expansion of the education program.
                (iv) 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) 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 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) 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) 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) 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.
        (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. CONTACT OF CERTAIN VETERANS TO ENCOURAGE RECEIPT OF 
      COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
    (a) 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) Shuttle service.--The Under Secretary of Health shall seek 
    to enter into agreements with non-profit organizations 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. 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) 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
        (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) 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. 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.
        (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.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.
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