Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019

To improve mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (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. Expansion of health care coverage for veterans. Sec. 102. Grants for provision of transition assistance to former members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life. Sec. 103. Study of community-based transition assistance programs for former members of the Armed Forces. Sec. 104. Modification of eligibility for care from Department of Veterans Affairs for former members of the Armed Forces with other than honorable discharges and report on such care. TITLE II—Suicide prevention Sec. 201. Grants for organizations providing mental health wellness services to veterans. Sec. 202. Designation of buddy check week by Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 203. Post-traumatic growth partnerships. Sec. 204. Progress of Department of Veterans Affairs in meeting goals and objectives of National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide. Sec. 205. Study on feasibility and advisability of providing certain complementary and integrative health services. Sec. 206. Program to provide veterans access to complementary and integrative health services through animal therapy, agri-therapy, and outdoor sports therapy. Sec. 207. Comptroller General report on management by Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans at high risk for suicide. TITLE III—Programs, studies, and guidelines on mental health Sec. 301. Program to provide veterans access to computerized cognitive behavioral therapy. Sec. 302. Study on connection between living at high altitude and suicide risk factors among veterans. Sec. 303. Establishment by Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense of clinical practice guidelines for comorbid mental health conditions. Sec. 304. Update of clinical practice guidelines for assessment and management of patients at risk for suicide. Sec. 305. Precision medicine initiative of Department of Veterans Affairs to identify and validate brain and mental health biomarkers. Sec. 306. Preventative and complex data analysis by Department of Veterans Affairs. TITLE IV—Oversight of mental health care and related services Sec. 401. Study on effectiveness of suicide prevention and mental health outreach programs of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 402. Oversight of mental health and suicide prevention media outreach conducted by Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 403. Annual report on progress of Department of Veterans Affairs in meeting goals and objectives of Executive Order 13822. Sec. 404. Comptroller General management review of mental health and suicide prevention services of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 405. Comptroller General report on efforts of Department of Veterans Affairs to integrate mental health care into primary care clinics. Sec. 406. Joint mental health programs by Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. TITLE V—Medical workforce Subtitle A—Improvement of mental health medical workforce Sec. 501. Treatment of psychologists. Sec. 502. Staffing improvement plan for psychiatrists and psychologists of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 503. Occupational series and staffing improvement plan for licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 504. Staffing improvement plan for peer specialists of Department of Veterans Affairs who are women. Sec. 505. Establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program. Sec. 506. Comptroller General report on Readjustment Counseling Service of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 507. Expansion of reporting requirements on Readjustment Counseling Service of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 508. Studies on alternative work schedules for employees of Veterans Health Administration. Sec. 509. Suicide prevention coordinators. Subtitle B—Direct hiring authorities for certain health care positions Sec. 521. Direct hiring authorities for certain health care positions. TITLE VI—Improvement of telehealth services Sec. 601. Expanded telehealth from Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 602. Implementation of national protocol for telehealth security and interfacing instructions. I Improvement of transition of individuals to services from Department of Veterans Affairs 101. Expansion of health care coverage for veterans (a) In general Section 1710(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking and (2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): (B) to any veteran during the one-year period following the discharge or release of the veteran from active military, naval, or air service; and . (b) Patient enrollment system Section 1705(c) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from providing hospital care and medical services to a veteran under section 1710(a)(1)(B) of this title during the period specified in such section notwithstanding the failure of the veteran to enroll in the system of patient enrollment established by the Secretary under subsection (a). . (c) Promotion of expanded eligibility (1) Transition Assistance Program (A) In general The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall promote to members of the Armed Forces transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life through the Transition Assistance Program the expanded eligibility of veterans for health care under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the amendments made by this section. (B) Transition Assistance Program defined In this paragraph, the term Transition Assistance Program (2) Publication by Department of Veterans Affairs Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish on a website of the Department of Veterans Affairs notification of the expanded eligibility of veterans for health care under the laws administered by the Secretary pursuant to the amendments made by this section. 102. Grants for provision of transition assistance to former members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life (a) Program required Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, carry out a program on the provision of assistance to former members of the Armed Forces, and spouses of such members, transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life. (b) Duration of program The Secretary of Labor shall carry out the program during the five-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program. (c) Grants (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out the program through the award of grants to eligible organizations for the provision of assistance described in subsection (a). (2) Matching funds required A grant under this section shall be in an amount that does not exceed 50 percent of the amount required by the organization to provide the services described in subsection (f). (d) Eligible organizations For purposes of this section, an eligible organization is any nonprofit organization that the Secretary of Labor determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State entities that serve veterans, is suitable for receipt of a grant under the program pursuant to receipt by the Secretary of Labor of an application submitted under subsection (e)(1). (e) Selection of grant recipients (1) Applications An organization seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary of Labor an application therefor at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State entities that serve veterans, may require. (2) Priority for hubs of services In awarding grants under the program, the Secretary of Labor shall give priority to an organization that provides multiple forms of services described in subsection (f). (f) Use of grant funds Each organization receiving a grant under the program shall use the grant to provide to former members of the Armed Forces and spouses described in subsection (a) the following: (1) Résumé assistance. (2) Interview training. (3) Job recruitment training. (4) Entrepreneurship training. (5) Financial services. (6) Legal assistance. (7) Educational supportive services. (8) Assistance with accessing benefits provided under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including home loan benefits, education benefits, adaptive housing grants, and all other benefits. (9) Nonclinical case management. (10) Other related services leading directly to successful transition, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (g) Annual reports (1) In general Not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the program and not less frequently than once each year thereafter until the termination of the program, the Secretary of Labor shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the program carried out under this section. (2) Contents Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A list of the organizations that have received grants under the program, including the geographic location of the organization and the types of services outlined in subsection (f) that each organization provides. (B) The number of veterans served by each organization. (C) An assessment of the effectiveness of the services provided under the program at improving the transition process for former members of the Armed Forces and spouses described in subsection (a), based on metrics determined by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (D) The amount of each grant awarded to each organization under the program. (E) Such other matters as the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considers appropriate. (3) Appropriate committees of Congress In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (h) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 to carry out this section. 103. Study of community-based transition assistance programs for former members of the Armed Forces (a) Study (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and State entities that serve former members of the Armed Forces, enter into an agreement with a Federal or non-Federal entity to develop or access a comprehensive list of community-based programs that— (A) provide transition assistance to such former members that lead directly to successful transition to civilian life, such as— (i) résumé assistance; (ii) interview training; (iii) job recruitment training; (iv) entrepreneurship training; (v) financial services; (vi) legal assistance; (vii) educational supportive services; (viii) assistance with accessing benefits provided under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including home loan benefits, education benefits, adaptive housing grants, and other benefits; and (ix) nonclinical case management; and (B) are operated by nonprofit organizations. (2) Updates (A) Periodic Not less frequently than once every five years, the Secretary shall update the list created under paragraph (1). (B) Upon request In addition to periodic updates under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall update the list created under paragraph (1) upon request of an organization with a program included in the list. (C) Verification The Secretary shall, in consultation with State entities that serve former members of the Armed Forces and to the degree practicable, verify changes to the list made under this paragraph. (b) Transmission to members The Secretary shall transmit the list created, and revised as the case may be, under subsection (a) to the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Defense so the Secretaries of the military departments may provide information in the list to members of the Armed Forces who participate in the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code. (c) Online publication The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish the list created, and revised as the case may be, under subsection (a) on a public website of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 104. Modification of eligibility for care from Department of Veterans Affairs for former members of the Armed Forces with other than honorable discharges and report on such care (a) Eligibility Subsection (b)(2)(B) of section 1720I of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking a discharge by court martial a dismissal (b) Information Subsection (e) of such section is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph (C): (C) is displayed prominently on a website of the Department; and ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4): (4) shall include outreach on Internet search engines; and . (c) Annual report Subsection (f) of such section is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Not less frequently than once Not later than February 15 (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (F); and (B) by inserting after subsection (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) The types of mental or behavioral health care needs treated under this section. (D) The demographics of individuals being treated under this section, including— (i) age; (ii) era of service in the Armed Forces; (iii) branch of service in the Armed Forces; and (iv) geographic location. (E) The average number of visits for an individual for mental or behavioral health care under this section. . II Suicide prevention 201. Grants for organizations providing mental health wellness services to veterans (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to facilitate the provision of mental health services for veterans with mental health conditions who are receiving care outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Grants (1) In general Subchapter II of chapter 17 1720J. Financial assistance for mental health supportive services for veterans seeking mental health treatment (a) Distribution of financial assistance (1) The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to eligible entities approved under this section to provide or coordinate the provision of mental health supportive services described in subsection (b) for a veteran with a mental health condition who is seeking mental health treatment. (2) Financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall consist of the award of a grant to an approved eligible entity for each veteran described in paragraph (1) for which the approved eligible entity is providing or coordinating the provision of mental health supportive services. (3) (A) The Secretary shall award grants under this section to each approved eligible entity that is providing or coordinating the provision of mental health supportive services under this section. (B) The Secretary may establish intervals of payment for the administration of grants under this section and establish a maximum amount to be awarded, in accordance with the services being provided and the duration of such services. (4) In providing financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to entities providing or coordinating the provision of supportive mental health services for veterans with mental health conditions who face barriers in accessing mental health care services from the Department. (5) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, financial assistance under this subsection is equitably distributed across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal lands. (6) Each entity receiving financial assistance under this section to provide mental health supportive services to a veteran with a mental health condition shall notify that veteran that such services are being paid for, in whole or in part, by the Department. (7) The Secretary shall require entities receiving financial assistance under this section to submit a report to the Secretary that describes the services provided or coordinated with such financial assistance. (b) Mental health supportive services The mental health supportive services described in this subsection are services provided by an eligible entity or a subcontractor of an eligible entity that address the needs of veterans with mental health conditions, including— (1) outreach services; (2) case management services; (3) assistance in obtaining any benefits from the Department that the veteran may be eligible to receive, including health care services, vocational and rehabilitation counseling, employment and training services, and educational assistance; and (4) assistance in obtaining and coordinating the provision of other public benefits provided by any Federal, State, or local agency, or any other eligible entity, including— (A) health care services (including obtaining health insurance); (B) daily living services; (C) personal financial planning services; (D) transportation services; (E) income support services; (F) fiduciary and representative payee services; (G) legal services to assist the veteran with issues that interfere with the ability of the veteran to find and retain meaningful employment, housing, or benefits to which the veteran may be entitled; (H) child care services; (I) housing counseling; and (J) other services necessary for maintaining independent living. (c) Application for financial assistance (1) An eligible entity seeking financial assistance under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form, in such manner, and containing such commitments and information as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section. (2) Each application submitted by an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall contain— (A) a description of the mental health supportive services described in subsection (b) proposed to be provided by the eligible entity under this section and the identified needs for those services; (B) a description of the types of veterans with a mental health condition proposed to be provided such services; (C) an estimate of the number of veterans with a mental health condition proposed to be provided such services; (D) evidence of the experience of the eligible entity in providing mental health supportive services to veterans with a mental health condition; and (E) a description of the managerial capacity of the eligible entity— (i) to coordinate the provision of mental health supportive services with the provision of mental health services by the eligible entity or another organization; (ii) to assess continually the needs of veterans with a mental health condition for mental health supportive services; (iii) to coordinate the provision of mental health supportive services with the services of the Department; and (iv) to tailor supportive mental health services to the needs of veterans with a mental health condition. (3) (A) The Secretary shall establish criteria for the selection of eligible entities to be provided financial assistance under this section. (B) Criteria established under subparagraph (A) with respect to an eligible entity shall include the following: (i) Relevant accreditation as may be required by each State in which the eligible entity operates. (ii) Experience coordinating care or providing treatment for veterans or members of the Armed Forces. (d) Technical assistance (1) The Secretary shall provide training and technical assistance to eligible entities provided financial assistance under this section regarding the planning, development, and provision of mental health supportive services under this section. (2) The Secretary may provide the training described in paragraph (1) directly or through grants or contracts with appropriate public or nonprofit private entities, including through grants awarded under section 2064 of this title. (e) Collection of information To the extent practicable, the Secretary may collect information from an eligibility entity awarded a grant under this section relating to a mental health condition of a veteran for inclusion in the electronic health record of the Department for such veteran for the sole purpose of improving care provided to such veteran. (f) Funding From amounts appropriated to the Department for medical services, there shall be available to carry out subsections (a), (b), and (c) the following: (1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2021. (2) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. (3) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2023. (g) Definitions In this section: (1) The term eligible entity (A) An incorporated private institution or foundation— (i) no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any member, founder, contributor, or individual; (ii) that has a governing board that is responsible for the operation of the mental health supportive services provided under this section; and (iii) that is approved by the Secretary with respect to financial responsibility. (B) A for-profit limited partnership, the sole general partner of which is an organization meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A). (C) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an organization meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A). (D) A tribally designated housing entity (as defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 ( 25 U.S.C. 4103 (2) The term veteran with a mental health condition . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1720I the following new item: 1720J. Financial assistance for mental health supportive services for veterans seeking mental health treatment. . (c) Study on effectiveness of program (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of the program of financial assistance under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), in meeting the needs of veterans with a mental health condition, as that term is defined in that section. (2) Comparison In conducting the study required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall compare the results of the program described in that paragraph with other programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to the delivery of mental health services to veterans. (3) Criteria In making the comparison required by paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following: (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the programs described in paragraph (2). (B) The health status of such veterans. (C) The mental wellness of such veterans. (D) The degree to which such veterans are encouraged to engage in productive activity by such programs. (E) The number of veterans using such programs, disaggregated by— (i) veterans who have received care from the Department in the previous two years; and (ii) veterans who have not received care from the Department in the previous two years. (F) The number of veterans who die by suicide while receiving services from an entity in receipt of a grant under the program of financial assistance under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), or who die by suicide during the 180-day period after receiving such services. (4) Report Not later than December 31, 2021, and annually thereafter, 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 the results of the study required by paragraph (1). (d) Effective date The Secretary shall begin providing financial assistance under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 202. Designation of buddy check week by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall designate one week per year to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks, which shall be known as Buddy Check Week (b) Events and education (1) In general During Buddy Check Week, the Secretary, in consultation with organizations that represent veterans, non-profits that serve veterans, mental health experts, members of the Armed Forces, and such other entities and individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate, shall collaborate with organizations that represent veterans to provide educational opportunities for veterans to learn how to conduct peer wellness checks. (2) Training matters As part of the educational opportunities provided under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide the following: (A) A script for veterans to use to conduct peer wellness checks that includes information on appropriate referrals to resources veterans might need. (B) Online and in-person training, as appropriate, on how to conduct a peer wellness check. (C) Opportunities for members of organizations that represent veterans to learn how to train individuals to conduct peer wellness checks. (D) Training for veterans participating in Buddy Check Week on how to transfer a phone call directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. (E) Resiliency training for veterans participating in Buddy Check Week on handling a veteran in crisis. (3) Online materials All training materials provided under the educational opportunities under paragraph (1) shall be made available on a website of the Department. (c) Outreach The Secretary, in collaboration with organizations that represent veterans, may conduct outreach regarding educational opportunities under subsection (b) at— (1) public events where many veterans are expected to congregate; (2) meetings of organizations that represent veterans; (3) facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (4) such other locations as the Secretary, in collaboration with organizations that represent veterans, considers appropriate. (d) Veterans Crisis Line plan (1) In general The Secretary shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase of calls that may occur during Buddy Check Week. (2) Submittal of plan The head of the Veterans Crisis Line shall submit to the Secretary a plan for how to handle excess calls during Buddy Check Week, which may include the following: (A) Additional hours for staff. (B) The use of a backup call center. (C) Any other plan to ensure that calls from veterans in crisis are being answered in a timely manner by an individual trained at the same level as a Veterans Crisis Line responder. (e) Veterans crisis line defined In this section, the term Veterans Crisis Line 203. Post-traumatic growth partnerships (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall enter into partnerships with nonprofit mental health organizations to facilitate post-traumatic growth among veterans who have experienced trauma. (b) Consultation Before entering into a partnership under subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consult with the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Psychological Association, the Posttraumatic Growth Research Group, and organizations that represent veterans. (c) Selection of partners The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each organization with which the Secretary enters into a partnership under subsection (a) has a demonstrated history of success with programs to facilitate post-traumatic growth, including— (1) long-term follow-up with veterans who have participated in such a program for not less than one year after completion of the program; and (2) sustained positive, clinically significant outcomes for veterans who have participated in such a program for not less than 180 days after completion of the program. (d) Outcomes from partners The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall require each nonprofit mental health organization that enters into a partnership with the Secretary under subsection (a) to submit to the Secretary a description of the outcomes from such partnership, including the following: (1) The number of veterans who participate in programs of the organization to facilitate post-traumatic growth, including the number of veterans who drop out before completion of the program. (2) The types of mental or behavioral health conditions of veterans who participate in such programs. (3) The percentage of veterans who experience significant post-traumatic growth. (4) Such other topics as the Secretary may require to track post-traumatic growth. (e) Post-Traumatic growth (1) In general For purposes of this section, post-traumatic growth (2) Measurement of growth Post-traumatic growth under this section shall be measured through self-reported scales, use of the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, and such other metrics as the Secretary considers necessary. (3) Positive responses described Positive responses described in this paragraph are positive responses in one or more areas of life, including the following: (A) An appreciation of and for life. (B) Improved relationships with others. (C) Realization of new possibilities in life. (D) Realization of personal strength. (E) Spiritual change. (F) Such other areas that the Secretary, in consultation with organizations specified in subsection (b), considers necessary. 204. Progress of Department of Veterans Affairs in meeting goals and objectives of National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop metrics to track progress on each of the 14 goals and 43 objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, 2018–2028 prepared by the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Metrics The metrics developed under subsection (a) shall include measures of both performance and effectiveness. (c) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 that contains the metrics developed under subsection (a). (2) Elements The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An explanation of why the metrics developed under subsection (a) were chosen. (B) An assessment of how accurately those metrics will reflect the goals and objectives specified in such subsection. (d) Annual report Not later than one year after the submittal of the report under subsection (b), and annually thereafter, 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 that contains— (1) an assessment of the progress of the Department in meeting the goals and objectives specified in subsection (a); (2) a description of any action to be taken by the Department if those goals and objectives are not being met; (3) a description of any changes to those goals and objectives; (4) an identification of any new programs or partnerships that have resulted from the implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, 2018–2028; (5) an assessment of the effectiveness of the National Strategy for Preventing Veterans Suicide, 2018–2028 at reducing veteran suicide; and (6) such other topics as the Secretary considers necessary. 205. Study on feasibility and advisability of providing certain complementary and integrative health services (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete a study on the feasibility and advisability of providing complementary and integrative health treatments described in subsection (b) at all facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Treatments described Complementary and integrative health treatments described in this subsection shall consist of the following: (1) Yoga. (2) Meditation. (3) Acupuncture. (4) Chiropractic care. (5) Other treatments that show sufficient evidence of efficacy at treating mental or physical health conditions, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Provision of treatment The Secretary may provide complementary and integrative health treatments under this section at a facility of the Department in person or by telehealth. (d) Report Not later than 90 days after the completion of the study under subsection (a), 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 such study, including— (1) the results of such study; and (2) such recommendations regarding the furnishing of complementary and integrative health treatments described in subsection (b) as the Secretary considers appropriate. 206. Program to provide veterans access to complementary and integrative health services through animal therapy, agri-therapy, and outdoor sports therapy (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence the conduct of a program to provide complementary and integrative health services described in subsection (b) to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs or through the use of non-Department entities for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or other conditions as determined by the Secretary. (b) Treatments described Complementary and integrative health treatments described in this subsection shall consist of the following: (1) Equine therapy. (2) Other animal therapy. (3) Agri-therapy. (4) Outdoor sports therapy. (c) Eligible veterans A veteran is eligible to participate in the program under this section if the veteran— (1) is enrolled in the system of patient enrollment of the Department established and operated under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; and (2) has received health care under the laws administered by the Secretary during the two-year period preceding the initial participation of the veteran in the program. (d) Duration (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out the program under this section for a two-year period beginning on the commencement of the program. (2) Extension The Secretary may extend the duration of the program under this section if the Secretary, based on the results of the interim report submitted under subsection (e)(1), determines that it is appropriate to do so. (e) Locations (1) In general The Secretary shall select not fewer than five facilities of the Department at which to carry out the program under this section. (2) Selection criteria In selecting facilities under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that— (A) the locations are in geographically diverse areas; and (B) not fewer than three facilities serve veterans in rural or highly rural areas (as determined through the use of the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding system of the Department of Agriculture). (f) Reports (1) Interim report (A) In general Not later than one year after the commencement of the program under this section, 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 the progress of the program. (B) Elements The report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The number of participants in the program. (ii) The types of therapy offered at each facility at which the program is being carried out. (iii) An assessment of whether participation by a veteran in the program resulted in any changes in clinically relevant endpoints for the veteran with respect to the conditions specified in subsection (a). (iv) An assessment of the quality of life of veterans participating in the program, including the results of a satisfaction survey of the participants in the program, disaggregated by treatment under subsection (b). (v) The determination of the Secretary with respect to extending the program under subsection (c)(2). (vi) Any recommendations of the Secretary with respect to expanding the program. (2) Final report Not later than 90 days after the termination of the program under this section, 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 final report on the program. 207. Comptroller General report on management by Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans at high risk for suicide (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 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 the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs to manage veterans at high risk for suicide. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of how the Department identifies patients as high risk for suicide, with particular consideration to the efficacy of inputs into the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health – Veterans Enhanced Treatment program (commonly referred to as the REACH VET (2) A description of how the Department intervenes when a patient is identified as high risk, including an assessment of the efficacy of such interventions disaggregated by age, gender, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and, to the extent practicable, medical center of the Department. (3) A description of how the Department monitors patients who have been identified as high risk, including an assessment of the efficacy of such monitoring and any follow-ups disaggregated by age, gender, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and, to the extent practicable, medical center of the Department. (4) A review of staffing levels of suicide prevention coordinators across the Veterans Health Administration. (5) A review of the resources and programming offered to family members and friends of veterans who have a mental health condition in order to assist that veteran in treatment and recovery. (6) An assessment of such other areas as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to study. III Programs, studies, and guidelines on mental health 301. Program to provide veterans access to computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (a) In general Not later than 210 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence the conduct of a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using computerized cognitive behavioral therapy to treat eligible veterans suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, or substance use disorder who are already receiving evidence-based therapy from the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Eligible veterans A veteran is eligible to participate in the program under this section if the veteran— (1) is enrolled in the system of patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; and (2) has received health care under the laws administered by the Secretary during the two-year period preceding the initial participation of the veteran in the program. (c) Duration The Secretary shall carry out the program under this section for a two-year period beginning on the commencement of the program. (d) Locations (1) In general The Secretary shall select not fewer than three facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs at which to carry out the program under this section. (2) Selection criteria In selecting facilities under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that— (A) the locations are in geographically diverse areas; and (B) not fewer than two facilities serve veterans in rural or highly rural areas (as determined through the use of the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding system of the Department of Agriculture). (e) Access to chat In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that veterans participating in the program have access via chat to a mental health provider 24 hours per day, seven days per week. (f) Promotion of Veterans Crisis Line The Secretary shall promote the availability of the Veterans Crisis Line to veterans participating in the program under this section. (g) Department website In implementing the program under this section, the Secretary, to the extent feasible, shall use a website of the Department of Veterans Affairs to host the program. (h) Reports (1) Interim report (A) In general Not later than one year after the commencement of the program under this section, 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 the progress of the program. (B) Elements The report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The number of participants in the program. (ii) An assessment of whether participation by a veteran in the program resulted in any changes in clinically relevant endpoints for the veteran with respect to the conditions specified in subsection (a). (iii) Any recommendations of the Secretary with respect to extending or expanding the program. (2) Final report Not later than 90 days after the termination of the program under this section, 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 final report on the program. (i) Veterans crisis line defined In this section, the term Veterans Crisis Line 302. Study on connection between living at high altitude and suicide risk factors among veterans (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with Rural Health Resource Centers of the Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall commence the conduct of a study on the connection between living at high altitude and the risk of developing depression or dying by suicide among veterans. (b) Completion of study The study conducted under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than three years after the date of the commencement of the study. (c) Individual impact The study conducted under subsection (a) shall be conducted so as to determine the effect of high altitude on suicide risk at the individual level, not at the State or county level. (d) Report Not later than 150 days after the completion of the study conducted under subsection (a), 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 the results of the study. (e) Follow-Up study (1) In general If the Secretary determines through the study conducted under subsection (a) that living at high altitude is a risk factor for developing depression or dying by suicide, the Secretary shall conduct an additional study to identify the following: (A) The most likely biological mechanism that makes living at high altitude a risk factor for developing depression or dying by suicide. (B) The most effective treatment or intervention for reducing the risk of developing depression or dying by suicide associated with living at high altitude. (2) Report Not later than 150 days after completing the study conducted under paragraph (1), 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 the results of the study. 303. Establishment by Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense of clinical practice guidelines for comorbid mental health conditions (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall complete the development of clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injury that is comorbid with substance use disorder or chronic pain. (b) Work group (1) Establishment In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall create a Trauma and Comorbid Substance Use Disorder or Chronic Pain Work Group (in this section referred to as the Work Group (2) Membership The work group created under paragraph (1) shall be comprised of individuals that represent Federal Government entities and non-Federal Government entities with expertise in the areas covered by the work group, including the following: (A) Academic institutions that specialize in research for the treatment of conditions described in subsection (a). (B) The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (C) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use of the Department of Health and Human Services. (3) Relation to other work groups The Work Group shall be created and conducted in the same manner as other work groups for the development of clinical practice guidelines for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. (c) Matters included In developing the clinical practice guidelines under subsection (a), the Work Group, in consultation with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Work Group, Concussion-mTBI Work Group, Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain Work Group, and Substance Use Work Group, shall ensure that the clinical practice guidelines include the following: (1) Guidance with respect to the following: (A) The treatment of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder who are also experiencing a substance use disorder or chronic pain. (B) The treatment of patients experiencing a mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of military sexual trauma who are also experiencing a substance use disorder or chronic pain. (C) The treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury who are also experiencing a substance use disorder or chronic pain. (2) Guidance with respect to the following: (A) Appropriate case management for patients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder that is comorbid with substance use disorder or chronic pain who transition from receiving care while on active duty in the Armed Forces to care from health care networks outside of the Department of Defense. (B) Appropriate case management for patients experiencing a mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of military sexual trauma that is comorbid with substance use disorder or chronic pain who transition from receiving care while on active duty in the Armed Forces to care from health care networks outside of the Department of Defense. (C) Appropriate case management for patients experiencing traumatic brain injury that is comorbid with substance use disorder or chronic pain who transition from receiving care while on active duty in the Armed Forces to care from health care networks outside of the Department of Defense. (3) Guidance with respect to the treatment of patients who are still members of the Armed Forces and are experiencing a mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of military sexual trauma that is comorbid with substance use disorder or chronic pain. (4) Guidance with respect to the assessment by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine of the potential overmedication of veterans, as required pursuant to the Senate report accompanying S. 1557, 115th Congress (Senate Report 115-130), under the heading Overprescription Prevention Report COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense from considering all relevant evidence, as appropriate, in creating the clinical practice guidelines required under subsection (a) or from ensuring that the final clinical practice guidelines developed under such subsection and subsequently updated, as appropriate, remain applicable to the patient populations of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. 304. Update of clinical practice guidelines for assessment and management of patients at risk for suicide (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, through the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide Work Group (in this section referred to as the Work Group (b) Matters included In carrying out the update under subsection (a), the Work Group shall ensure that the clinical practice guidelines updated under such subsection includes the following: (1) Enhanced guidance with respect to the following: (A) Gender-specific risk factors for suicide and suicidal ideation. (B) Gender-specific treatment efficacy for depression and suicide prevention. (C) Gender-specific pharmacotherapy efficacy. (D) Gender-specific psychotherapy efficacy. (2) Guidance with respect to the following: (A) The efficacy of alternative therapies, other than psychotherapy and phar­ma­co­ther­a­py, including the following: (i) Yoga therapy. (ii) Meditation therapy. (iii) Equine therapy. (iv) Other animal therapy. (v) Training and caring for service dogs. (vi) Agri-therapy. (vii) Art therapy. (viii) Outdoor sports therapy. (ix) Music therapy. (x) Any other alternative therapy that the Work Group considers appropriate. (3) Guidance with respect to the findings of the Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery Commission (commonly referred to as the COVER Commission Public Law 114–198 38 U.S.C. 1701 (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense from considering all relevant evidence, as appropriate, in updating the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide, as required under subsection (a), or from ensuring that the final clinical practice guidelines updated under such subsection remain applicable to the patient populations of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. 305. Precision medicine initiative of Department of Veterans Affairs to identify and validate brain and mental health biomarkers (a) In general Beginning not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement an initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify and validate brain and mental health biomarkers among veterans, with specific consideration for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and such other mental health conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate. Such initiative may be referred to as the Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative (b) Model of initiative The initiative under subsection (a) shall be modeled on the All of Us Precision Medicine Initiative administered by the National Institutes of Health with respect to large-scale collection of standardized data and open data sharing. (c) Use of data (1) Privacy and security In carrying out the initiative under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop robust data privacy and security measures to ensure that information of veterans participating in the initiative is kept private and secure. (2) Open platform (A) Research purposes The Secretary shall make de-identified data collected under the initiative available for research purposes both within and outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (B) Data may not be sold Data collected under the initiative may not be sold. (3) Standardization (A) In general The Secretary shall ensure that data collected under the initiative is standardized. (B) Consultation The Secretary shall consult with the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration to determine the most effective, efficient, and cost-effective way of standardizing data collected under the initiative. (C) Manner of standardization Data collected under the initiative shall be standardized in the manner in which it is collected, entered into the database, extracted, and recorded. (4) Measures of brain function or structure Any measures of brain function or structure collected under the initiative shall be collected with a device that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. (d) Inclusion of initiative in program The Secretary shall assess the feasibility and advisability of coordinating efforts of the initiative under subsection (a) with the Million Veterans Program of the Department. 306. Preventative and complex data analysis by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Chapter 1 119. Contracting for preventative or complex statistical analysis In order to carry out statistical analysis required under section 302 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 118 the following new item: 119. Contracting for preventative or complex statistical analysis. . IV Oversight of mental health care and related services 401. Study on effectiveness of suicide prevention and mental health outreach programs of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into an agreement with a non-Federal Government entity to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the suicide prevention and mental health outreach materials prepared by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the suicide prevention and mental health outreach campaigns conducted by the Department. (b) Use of focus groups (1) In general The Secretary shall convene not fewer than eight different focus groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the suicide prevention and mental health materials and campaigns as required under subsection (a). (2) Location of focus groups Focus groups convened under paragraph (1) shall be held in geographically diverse areas as follows: (A) Not fewer than two in rural or highly rural areas. (B) Not fewer than one in each of the four districts of the Veterans Benefits Administration. (3) Timing of focus groups Focus groups convened under paragraph (1) shall be held at a variety of dates and times to ensure an adequate representation of veterans with different work schedules. (4) Number of participants Each focus group convened under paragraph (1) shall include not fewer than five and not more than 12 participants. (5) Representation Each focus group convened under paragraph (1) shall, to the extent practicable, include veterans of diverse backgrounds, including— (A) veterans of all eras, as determined by the Secretary; (B) women veterans; (C) minority veterans; (D) Native American veterans, as defined in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code; (E) veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (commonly referred to as LGBTQ (F) veterans who live in rural or highly rural areas; and (G) individuals transitioning from active duty in the Armed Forces to civilian life. (c) Report (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the last focus group meeting under subsection (b), 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 the findings of the focus groups. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Based on the findings of the focus groups, an assessment of the effectiveness of current suicide prevention and mental health outreach efforts of the Department in reaching veterans as a whole as well as specific groups of veterans (for example, women veterans). (B) Based on the findings of the focus groups, recommendations for future suicide prevention and mental health outreach efforts by the Department to target specific groups of veterans. (C) A plan to change the current approach by the Department to suicide prevention and mental health outreach or, if the Secretary decides not to change the current approach, an explanation of the reason for maintaining the current approach. (D) Such other issues as the Secretary considers necessary. (d) Representative survey (1) In general Not later than one year after the last focus group meeting under subsection (b), the Secretary shall complete a representative survey of the veteran population that is informed by the focus group data in order to collect information about the effectiveness of the mental health and suicide prevention outreach campaigns conducted by the Department. (2) Veterans surveyed (A) In general Veterans surveyed under paragraph (1) shall include veterans described in subsection (b)(5). (B) Disaggregation of data Data of veterans surveyed under paragraph (1) shall be disaggregated by— (i) veterans who have received care from the Department during the two-year period preceding the survey; and (ii) veterans who have not received care from the Department during the two-year period preceding the survey. (e) Treatment of contracts for suicide prevention and mental health outreach media (1) Focus groups (A) In general The Secretary shall include in each contract to develop media relating to suicide prevention and mental health outreach a requirement that the contractor convene focus groups of veterans to assess the effectiveness of suicide prevention and mental health outreach. (B) Representation Each focus group required under subparagraph (A) shall, to the extent practicable, include veterans of diverse backgrounds, including— (i) veterans of all eras, as determined by the Secretary; (ii) women veterans; (iii) minority veterans; (iv) Native American veterans, as defined in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code; (v) veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (commonly referred to as LGBTQ (vi) veterans who live in rural or highly rural areas; and (vii) individuals transitioning from active duty in the Armed Forces to civilian life. (2) Subcontracting (A) In general The Secretary shall include in each contract described in paragraph (1)(A) a requirement that, if the contractor subcontracts for the development of media, the contractor shall subcontract with a subcontractor that has experience creating impactful media campaigns that target individuals age 18 to 34. (B) Budget limitation Not more than two percent of the budget of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Department for contractors for suicide prevention and mental health media outreach shall go to subcontractors described in subparagraph (A). (f) Rural and highly rural defined In this section, with respect to an area, the terms rural highly rural 402. Oversight of mental health and suicide prevention media outreach conducted by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Establishment of goals (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish goals for the mental health and suicide prevention media outreach campaigns of the Department of Veterans Affairs in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. (2) Use of metrics (A) In general The goals established under paragraph (1) shall be measured by metrics specific to different media types as follows: (i) Metrics relating to social media shall include the following: (I) Impressions. (II) Reach. (III) Engagement rate. (IV) Such other metrics as the Secretary considers necessary. (ii) Metrics relating to television shall include the following: (I) Nielsen ratings. (II) Such other metrics as the Secretary considers necessary. (iii) Metrics relating to email shall include the following: (I) Open rate. (II) Response rate (III) Click rate. (IV) Such other metrics as the Secretary considers necessary. (B) Update The Secretary shall periodically update the metrics under subparagraph (A) as more accurate metrics become available. (3) Targets The Secretary shall develop targets to track the metrics used under paragraph (2). (4) Consultation In establishing goals under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the following: (A) Relevant stakeholders, such as organizations that represent veterans, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Mental health and suicide prevention experts. (C) Such other persons as the Secretary considers appropriate. (5) Initial report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 detailing the goals established under paragraph (1) for the mental health and suicide prevention media outreach campaigns of the Department in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, including the metrics and targets for such metrics by which those goals are to be measured under paragraph (2). (6) Annual report Not later than one year after the submittal of the report under paragraph (3), and annually thereafter, 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 detailing— (A) the progress of the Department in meeting the goals established under paragraph (1) and targets developed under paragraph (3); and (B) a description of action to be taken by the Department to modify mental health and suicide prevention media outreach campaigns if those goals and targets are not being met. (b) Establishment of oversight process (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a process to oversee the mental health and suicide prevention media outreach campaigns of the Department. (2) Components of oversight process The process established under paragraph (1) shall include the following components: (A) A delineation of the roles and responsibilities of all suicide prevention officials within the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Veterans Health Administration. (B) A schedule for creating, approving, implementing, and evaluating all unpaid media and paid media content relating to mental health and suicide prevention. (C) Lines of reporting, as the Secretary considers necessary, to report to management information relating to the mental health and suicide prevention media outreach campaigns of the Department. (c) Contract requirements The Secretary shall ensure that each contract into which the Secretary enters to develop mental health and suicide prevention outreach media includes requirements that the contractor— (1) track metrics used by the Secretary under subsection (a)(2); and (2) not less frequently than quarterly, report such metrics to the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Veterans Health Administration. (d) Report on use of funds by Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and semiannually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report containing the expenditures and obligations of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Veterans Health Administration during the period covered by the report. 403. Annual report on progress of Department of Veterans Affairs in meeting goals and objectives of Executive Order 13822 (a) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that contains the following: (1) An assessment of the progress of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security in meeting the goals and objectives outlined in the report required under section 2(c) of Executive Order 13822 (83 Fed. Reg. 1513; relating to supporting our veterans during their transition from uniformed service to civilian life) with respect to the implementation by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the Joint Action Plan required under section 2(b) of such Executive order. (2) A description of action to be taken by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security if those goals and objectives are not being met. (3) An assessment of the effectiveness of Executive Order 13822 at improving the transition process for members of the Armed Forces and veterans. (4) Such other topics as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Homeland Security consider necessary. (b) Submittal by Secretary of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit each report required under paragraph (1) with respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs regardless of whether the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security provides any information for the report. 404. Comptroller General management review of mental health and suicide prevention services of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a management review of the mental health and suicide prevention services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Elements The management review required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the infrastructure under the control of or available to the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Department of Veterans Affairs or available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for suicide prevention efforts not operated by the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. (2) A description of the management and organizational structure of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, including roles and responsibilities for each position. (3) A description of the operational policies and processes of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. (4) An assessment of suicide prevention practices and initiatives available from the Department and through community partnerships. (5) An assessment of the staffing levels at the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, dissaggregated by type of position, and including the location of any staffing deficiencies. (6) An assessment of the Nurse Advice Line pilot program conducted by the Department. (7) An assessment of recruitment initiatives in rural areas for mental health professionals of the Department. (8) An assessment of strategic planning conducted by the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. (9) An assessment of the communication, and the effectiveness of such communication— (A) within the central office of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention; (B) between that central office and any staff member or office in the field, including chaplains, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and volunteers; and (C) between that central office, local facilities of the Department, and community partners of the Department, including first responders, community support groups, and health care industry partners. (10) An assessment of how effectively the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention implements operational policies and procedures. (11) An assessment of how the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense coordinate suicide prevention efforts, and recommendations on how the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense can more effectively coordinate those efforts. (12) An assessment of such other areas as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to study. 405. Comptroller General report on efforts of Department of Veterans Affairs to integrate mental health care into primary care clinics (a) Initial Report (1) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 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 the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs to integrate mental health care into primary care clinics of the Department. (2) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (A) An assessment of the efforts of the Department to integrate mental health care into primary care clinics of the Department. (B) An assessment of the effectiveness of such efforts. (C) An assessment of how the health care of veterans is impacted by such integration. (D) A description of how care is coordinated by the Department between specialty mental health care and primary care, including a description of the following: (i) How documents and patient information are transferred and the effectiveness of those transfers. (ii) How care is coordinated when veterans must travel to different facilities of the Department. (iii) How a veteran is reintegrated into primary care after receiving in-patient mental health care. (E) An assessment of how the integration of mental health care into primary care clinics is implemented at different types of facilities of the Department. (F) Such recommendations on how the Department can better integrate mental health care into primary care clinics as the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (G) An assessment of such other areas as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to study. (b) Community care integration report (1) In general Not later than two years after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a)(1), the Comptroller General 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 the efforts of the Department to integrate community-based mental health care into the Veterans Health Administration. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An assessment of the efforts of the Department to integrate community-based mental health care into the Veterans Health Administration. (B) An assessment of the effectiveness of such efforts. (C) An assessment of how the health care of veterans is impacted by such integration. (D) A description of how care is coordinated between providers of community-based mental health care and the Veterans Health Administration, including a description of how documents and patient information are transferred and the effectiveness of those transfers between— (i) the Veterans Health Administration and providers of community-based mental health care; and (ii) providers of community-based mental health care and the Veterans Health Administration. (E) An assessment of any disparities in the coordination of community-based mental health care into the Veterans Health Administration by location and type of facility. (F) An assessment of the military cultural competency of health care providers providing community-based mental health care to veterans. (G) Such recommendations on how the Department can better integrate community-based mental health care into the Veterans Health Administration as the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (H) An assessment of such other areas as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to study. (3) Community-based mental health care defined In this subsection, the term community-based mental health care Public Law 115–182 406. Joint mental health programs by Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (a) Report on mental health programs (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on mental health programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense and joint programs of the Departments. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of mental health programs operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the following: (i) Transition assistance programs. (ii) Clinical mental health initiatives, including— (I) the Million Veterans Program; and (II) centers of excellence of the Department of Veterans Affairs for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. (iii) Programs that may secondarily improve mental health, including employment, housing assistance, and financial literacy programs. (iv) Research into mental health issues and conditions. (B) A description of mental health programs operated by the Department of Defense, including the following: (i) Transition assistance programs. (ii) Clinical mental health initiatives, including the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. (iii) Programs that may secondarily improve mental health, including employment, housing assistance, and financial literacy programs. (iv) Research into mental health issues and conditions. (C) A description of mental health programs jointly operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, including the following: (i) Transition assistance programs. (ii) Clinical mental health initiatives. (iii) Programs that may secondarily improve mental health, including employment, housing assistance, and financial literacy programs. (iv) Research into mental health issues and conditions. (D) Recommendations for coordinating mental health programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to improve the effectiveness of those programs. (E) Recommendations for novel joint programming of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to improve the mental health of members of the Armed Forces and veterans. (b) Establishment of joint center of excellence (1) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a center of excellence to be known as the Joint DOD/VA National Intrepid Center of Excellence Intrepid Spirit Center Center (2) Duties The Center shall conduct joint mental health programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. (3) Location The Center shall be established in a location that— (A) is geographically distant from already existing and planned Intrepid Spirit Centers of the Department of Defense; and (B) is in a rural or highly rural area (as determined through the use of the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding system of the Department of Agriculture). V Medical workforce A Improvement of mental health medical workforce 501. Treatment of psychologists (a) Treatment as title 38 employees Section 7401 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting psychologists, chiropractors, (2) in paragraph (3), by striking psychologists, (b) Inclusion in contracts for scarce medical specialist services Section 7409(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting psychologists, chiropractors, 502. Staffing improvement plan for psychiatrists and psychologists of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Staffing plan Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a plan to address staffing shortages of psychiatrists and psychologists of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including filling any open positions. (b) Elements The plan required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) The number of positions for psychiatrists and psychologists of the Department that need to be filled to meet demand, disaggregated by Veterans Integrated Service Network and medical center. (2) An identification of the steps that the Secretary will take in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to address such shortages, include the following: (A) A description of any region-specific hiring incentives to be used by the Secretary in consultation with the directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical centers of the Department. (B) A description of any local retention or engagement incentives to be used by directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks. (3) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers necessary to aid in addressing staffing shortages of psychiatrists and psychologists of the Department. 503. Occupational series and staffing improvement plan for licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Occupational series Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, shall develop an occupational series for licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Staffing plan (1) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 plan to address staffing shortages of licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Elements The plan required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The number of positions for licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of the Department that need to be filled to meet demand, disaggregated by Veterans Integrated Service Network and medical center. (B) An identification of the steps that the Secretary will take in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to address such shortages, include the following: (i) A description of any region-specific hiring incentives to be used by the Secretary in consultation with the directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical centers of the Department. (ii) A description of any local retention or engagement incentives to be used by directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks. (C) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary, in consultation with the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, considers necessary to aid in addressing staffing shortages of licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of the Department. (c) Report Not later than one year after the submittal of the plan required by subsection (b), 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 setting forth the number of licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists hired by the Department during the one-year period preceding the submittal of the report, disaggregated by Veterans Integrated Service Network and medical center. 504. Staffing improvement plan for peer specialists of Department of Veterans Affairs who are women (a) Assessment of capacity (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall commence an assessment of the capacity of peer specialists of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are women. (2) Elements The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the following: (A) The geographical distribution of peer specialists of the Department who are women. (B) The geographical distribution of women veterans. (C) The number and proportion of women peer specialists who specialize in peer counseling on mental health or suicide prevention. (D) The number and proportion of women peer specialists who specialize in peer counseling on non-mental health related matters. (b) Report Not later than one year after the assessment required by subsection (a) has commenced, 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 detailing the findings of the assessment. (c) Staffing improvement plan (1) In general Not later than 180 days after submitting the report under subsection (b), the Secretary, in consultation with the Inspector General, shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a plan, based on the results of the assessment required by subsection (a), to hire additional qualified peer specialists who are women, with special consideration for areas that lack peer specialists who are women. (2) Elements The peer specialist positions included in the plan required by paragraph (1)— (A) shall be non-volunteer, paid positions; and (B) may be part-time positions. 505. Establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program (a) In general Chapter 76 IX Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program 7698. Requirement for program As part of the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary shall carry out a scholarship program under this subchapter. The program shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program (in this subchapter referred to as the Program 7699. Eligibility; agreement (a) In general An individual is eligible to participate in the Program, as determined by the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Department, if the individual— (1) is accepted for enrollment or enrolled (as described in section 7602 of this title) in, a program of study at an accredited educational institution, school, or training program leading to— (A) a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy; or (B) a master's degree in mental health counseling; and (2) enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (c). (b) Priority In selecting individuals to participate in the Program, the Secretary shall give priority to the following individuals: (1) An individual who agrees to be employed by a Vet Center located in a community that is— (A) designated as a medically underserved population under section 330(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3) (B) in a state with a per capita population of veterans of more than five percent according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics and the Bureau of the Census. (2) An individual who is a veteran. (c) Agreement An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the Program shall (in addition to the requirements set forth in section 7604 of this title) include the following: (1) An agreement by the Secretary to provide the participant with a scholarship under the Program for a specified number of school years during which the participant pursues a program of study described in subsection (a)(1) that meets the requirements set forth in section 7602(a) of this title. (2) An agreement by the participant to serve as a full-time employee of the Department at a Vet Center for a three-year period during the six-year period following the completion by the participant of such program of study (in this subchapter referred to as the period of obligated service (d) Vet Center defined In this section, the term Vet Center 7699A. Obligated service (a) In general Each participant in the Program shall provide service as a full-time employee of the Department at a Vet Center (as defined in section 7699(c) of this title) for the period of obligated service set forth in the agreement of the participant entered into under section 7604 of this title. (b) Determination of service commencement date (1) Not later than 60 days before the service commencement date of a participant, the Secretary shall notify the participant of that service commencement date. (2) The date specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a participant is the date for the beginning of the period of obligated service of the participant. 7699B. Breach of agreement: liability (a) Liquidated damages (1) A participant in the Program (other than a participant described in subsection (b)) who fails to accept payment, or instructs the educational institution in which the participant is enrolled not to accept payment, in whole or in part, of a scholarship under the agreement entered into under section 7604 of this title shall be liable to the United States for liquidated damages in the amount of $1,500. (2) Liability under paragraph (1) is in addition to any period of obligated service or other obligation or liability under such agreement. (b) Liability during program of study (1) Except as provided in subsection (d), a participant in the Program shall be liable to the United States for the amount which has been paid to or on behalf of the participant under the agreement if any of the following occurs: (A) The participant fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing in the educational institution in which the participant is enrolled (as determined by the educational institution under regulations prescribed by the Secretary). (B) The participant is dismissed from such educational institution for disciplinary reasons. (C) The participant voluntarily terminates the program of study in such educational institution before the completion of such program of study. (2) Liability under this subsection is in lieu of any service obligation arising under the agreement. (c) Liability during period of obligated service (1) Except as provided in subsection (d), if a participant in the Program does not complete the period of obligated service of the participant, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the participant an amount determined in accordance with the following formula: A = 3Φ(t−s/t). (2) In the formula in paragraph (1): (A) A (B) Φ (i) the amounts paid under this subchapter to or on behalf of the participant; and (ii) the interest on such amounts which would be payable if at the time the amounts were paid they were loans bearing interest at the maximum legal prevailing rate, as determined by the Treasurer of the United States. (C) t (D) s (d) Limitation on liability for reductions-in-Force Liability shall not arise under subsection (c) if the participant fails to maintain employment as a Department employee due to a staffing adjustment. (e) Period for payment of damages Any amount of damages that the United States is entitled to recover under this section shall be paid to the United States within the one-year period beginning on the date of the breach of the agreement. . (b) Conforming and technical amendments (1) Conforming amendments (A) Establishment of program Section 7601(a) of such title is amended— (i) in paragraph (5), by striking and (ii) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) the readjustment counseling service scholarship program provided for in subchapter IX of this chapter. . (B) Eligibility Section 7602 of such title is amended— (i) in subsection (a)(1)— (I) by striking or VI VI, or IX (II) by striking subchapter VI subchapter VI or IX (ii) in subsection (b), by striking or VI VI, or IX (C) Application Section 7603(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking or VIII VIII, or IX (D) Terms of agreement Section 7604 of such title is amended by striking or VIII VIII, or IX (E) Annual report Section 7632 of such title is amended— (i) in paragraph (1), by striking and the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program, and the Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program (ii) in paragraph (4), by striking and per participant in the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program per participant in the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program, and per participant in the Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program (2) Table of sections The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 of such title is amended by inserting after the items relating to subchapter VIII the following: SUBCHAPTER IX—Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program Sec. 7698. Requirement for program. 7699. Eligibility; agreement. 7699A. Obligated service. 7699B. Breach of agreement: liability. . (c) Effective date The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall begin awarding scholarships under subchapter IX of chapter 76 506. Comptroller General report on Readjustment Counseling Service of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 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 the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the adequacy and types of treatment, counseling, and other services provided at Vet Centers, including recommendations on whether and how such treatment, counseling, and other services can be expanded. (2) An assessment of the efficacy of outreach efforts by the Readjustment Counseling Service, including recommendations for how outreach efforts can be improved. (3) An assessment of barriers to care at Vet Centers, including recommendations for overcoming those barriers. (4) An assessment of the efficacy and frequency of the use of telehealth by counselors of the Readjustment Counseling Service to provide mental health services, including recommendations for how the use of telehealth can be improved. (5) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of expanding eligibility for services from the Readjustment Counseling Service, including— (A) recommendations on what eligibility criteria could be expanded; and (B) an assessment of potential costs and increased infrastructure requirements if eligibility is expanded. (6) An assessment of the use of Vet Centers by members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who were never activated and recommendations on how to better reach those members. (7) An assessment of the use of Vet Centers by eligible family members of former members of the Armed Forces and recommendations on how to better reach those family members. (8) An assessment of the efficacy of group therapy and the level of training of providers at Vet Centers in administering group therapy. (c) Vet Center defined In this section, the term Vet Center 507. Expansion of reporting requirements on Readjustment Counseling Service of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Expansion of annual report Paragraph (2)(C) of section 7309(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: , including the resources required to meet such unmet need, such as additional staff, additional locations, additional infrastructure, infrastructure improvements, and additional mobile Vet Centers (b) Biennial report Such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) For each even numbered year in which the report required by paragraph (1) is submitted, the Secretary shall include in such report a prediction of trends in demand for care, long-term investments required with respect to the provision of care, maintenance of infrastructure, and other capital investments with respect to the Readjustment Counseling Service, including Vet Centers, Mobile Vet Centers, and community access points. . 508. Studies on alternative work schedules for employees of Veterans Health Administration (a) Study of veterans (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the attitudes of eligible veterans toward the Department of Veterans Affairs offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department, including through the use of telehealth appointments. (2) Eligible veteran defined In this subsection, the term eligible veteran (A) is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; and (B) received health care from the Department at least once during the two-year period ending on the date of the commencement of the study under paragraph (1). (b) Department study (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department. (2) Study of employees The study required by paragraph (1) shall include a study of the opinions of employees of the Veterans Health Administration, including clinical, nonclinical, and support staff, with respect to offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department, including through the use of telehealth appointments. 509. Suicide prevention coordinators The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs is staffed with not fewer than one suicide prevention coordinator. B Direct hiring authorities for certain health care positions 521. Direct hiring authorities for certain health care positions (a) In general Subpart I of part III of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 103 Department of Veterans Affairs hiring authorities Sec. 10301. Department of Veterans Affairs personnel authorities. 10301. Department of Veterans Affairs personnel authorities (a) Flexibilities relating to appointments (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (referred to in this section as the Secretary (A) better meet mission needs; (B) respond to managers’ needs and the needs of applicants; (C) produce high-quality applicants; (D) support timely decisions; and (E) promote competitive job offers. (2) Waived requirements In redesigning the process by which the appointments described in paragraph (1) shall be made, the Secretary may waive the requirements of chapter 33, and the regulations implementing that chapter, to the extent necessary to achieve the objectives of this section, while providing for the following: (A) Fair, credible, and transparent methods of establishing qualification requirements for, recruitment for, and appointments to positions. (B) Fair and open competition and equitable treatment in the consideration and selection of individuals to positions. (C) Fair, credible, and transparent methods of assigning, reassigning, detailing, transferring, or promoting employees. (3) Implementation requirements In implementing this subsection, the Secretary shall comply with the provisions of section 2302(b)(11), regarding veterans’ preference requirements, in a manner consistent with that in which such provisions are applied under chapter 33. (4) Training program The Secretary shall develop a training program for Department of Veterans Affairs human resource professionals to implement the requirements of this subsection. (5) Indicators of effectiveness The Secretary shall develop indicators of effectiveness to determine whether appointment flexibilities under this subsection have achieved the objectives described in paragraph (1). (b) Criteria for use of new personnel authorities In the redesign of appointment procedures, as described in subsection (a), and with respect to the system of appointment flexibilities established under that subsection, the Secretary shall— (1) include a means for ensuring employee involvement (for bargaining unit employees, through their exclusive representatives) in that redesign and in the implementation of that system; (2) provide for adequate training and retraining for supervisors, managers, and employees in the implementation and operation of that redesign and that system; (3) develop— (A) a comprehensive management succession program to provide training to employees to develop managers for the agency; and (B) a program to provide training to supervisors on actions, options, and strategies that a supervisor may use in administering that system; (4) include effective transparency and accountability measures and safeguards to ensure that the management of that system is fair, credible, and equitable, including appropriate independent reasonableness reviews, internal assessments, and employee surveys; (5) provide mentors to advise individuals on their career paths and opportunities to advance and excel within their fields; (6) develop appropriate procedures for warnings during performance evaluations for employees who fail to meet performance standards; (7) utilize the quadrennial strategic plan required under section 7330C(b) of title 38; and (8) ensure that adequate agency resources are allocated for the design, implementation, and administration of that system. . (b) Technical and conforming amendment The table of chapters for part III of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 102 the following: 103. Department of Veterans Affairs Hiring Authorities 10301. . VI Improvement of telehealth services 601. Expanded telehealth from Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into partnerships, and expand existing partnerships, between the Department of Veterans Affairs, organizations that represent or serve veterans, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, and other interested parties for the expansion of telehealth capabilities and the provision of telehealth services to veterans through the award of grants under subsection (c). (b) Preference for partnerships The Secretary shall give preference to entering into or expanding partnerships under subsection (a) with organizations that— (1) represent veterans in rural or highly rural areas (as determined through the use of the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding system of the Department of Agriculture); or (2) operate in a medically underserved community (as defined in section 799B of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 295p (c) Award of grants (1) In general In carrying out partnerships entered into or expanded under this section with entities described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall award grants to those entities. (2) Maximum amount of grants The amount of a grant awarded under this subsection may not exceed $75,000 per site per year. (3) Use of grants (A) In general Grants awarded to an entity under this subsection shall be used for the following: (i) Purchasing or upgrading hardware or software necessary for the provision of secure and private telehealth services. (ii) Upgrading security protocols for consistency with the standardized telehealth security protocol implemented under section 602(a)(2), or any other security requirements of the Department. (iii) Training of employees, including payment of those employees for completing that training, with respect to— (I) military and veteran cultural competence, if the entity is not an organization that represents veterans; and (II) equipment required to provide telehealth services. (iv) Upgrading existing infrastructure owned or leased by the entity to make rooms more conducive to telehealth care, including— (I) additional walls to create a new, private room; (II) soundproofing of existing rooms; or (III) new electrical or internet outlets in an existing room. (v) Upgrading existing infrastructure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 (vi) Upgrading internet infrastructure. (B) Exclusion Grants may not be used for the purchase of new property or for major construction projects, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Memoranda of understanding or agreement on telehealth access points (1) In general An entity described in subsection (a) that seeks to establish a telehealth access point for veterans but does not require grant funding under this section to do so may enter into a memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement with the Department for the establishment of such an access point. (2) Inspection The Secretary shall inspect the access point proposed to be established under paragraph (1) to ensure that it is adequately private, secure, and accessible for veterans before the access point is established. (e) Assessment of barriers to access (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an assessment of barriers faced by veterans in accessing telehealth services from home. (2) Elements The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An assessment of current and potential future cost barriers to veterans having internet access at home. (B) An assessment of current and potential future barriers to veterans accessing broadband services at home. (C) A description of how the Department plans to address the current and potential future cost and access barriers described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). (D) Such other matters related to internet access for veterans in their homes as the Secretary considers relevant. (3) Report Not later than 120 days after the completion of the assessment required by paragraph (1), 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 the assessment, including any recommendations for legislative or administrative action based on the results of the assessment. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $10,000,000 to carry out this section. 602. Implementation of national protocol for telehealth security and interfacing instructions (a) National telehealth security protocol (1) Assessment (A) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with industry experts, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer, and stakeholders, shall conduct an assessment of current telehealth security protocols. (B) Elements The assessment conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) An assessment of current telehealth security protocols, including protocols used by— (I) the Department of Veterans Affairs; (II) other Federal agencies; (III) other health care providers; and (IV) such other organizations as the Secretary considers necessary to assess under such subparagraph. (ii) A study of any current or future security risks— (I) faced by veterans using telehealth services; or (II) faced by the Department in furnishing those services. (C) Timeline The Secretary shall complete the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Implementation Not later than 18 months after the completion of the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, using guidance from the assessment, fully implement a standardized telehealth security protocol at all facilities of the Department. (3) Privacy and security The Secretary shall ensure that the security protocol implemented under this subsection protects the privacy and security of veterans, the health data of veterans, and data from the Department. (b) National telehealth interfacing instructions (1) Assessment (A) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with industry experts, organizations that represent veterans, the Chief Veterans Experience Officer, the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer, and stakeholders, shall conduct an assessment of current telehealth interfacing instructions. (B) Elements The assessment conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of interfacing instructions used by— (i) the Department of Veterans Affairs; (ii) other Federal agencies; (iii) other health care providers; and (iv) such other organizations as the Secretary considers necessary to assess under such subparagraph. (C) Timeline The Secretary shall complete the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Implementation Not later than 18 months after the completion of the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, using guidance from the assessment, fully implement standardized telehealth interfacing instructions at all facilities of the Department. (3) Navigation The Secretary shall ensure that the telehealth interfacing instructions implemented under this subsection are those that are easiest to navigate for veterans and health care providers.

Summary: Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 This bill makes updates related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, mental health care, care for women veterans, and telehealth care. TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (Sec. 101) This section requires the VA to submit a plan for the provision of VA health care to any veteran during the one-year period following the discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service. (Sec. 102) The Department of Defense (DOD) and the VA must jointly review and report on the records of each former member of the Armed Forces who died by suicide within one year of separation from the Armed Forces during the five-year period preceding the enactment of this bill. (Sec. 103) The VA must report on the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health&#8212;Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET) program to assess, among other elements, the impact of the program on rates of suicide among veterans. (Sec. 104) This section updates reporting requirements related to the mental and behavioral health care provided by the VA to former members of the Armed Forces with other than honorable discharge. TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION (Sec. 201) This section establishes the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, under which the VA must award grants for a period of three years to eligible entities for the provision of suicide prevention services to veterans and their families. A nongovernmental entity must conduct a study on the provision of such grants to evaluate the effectiveness. In certain circumstances, entities receiving grants must refer eligible individuals for additional care at the VA. If it is clinically appropriate, the VA must provide an individual receiving suicide prevention services through a grant with a mental health care assessment or services. If an individual refuses such care, ongoing clinical services provided by a grantee must be at the expense of the grantee. (Sec. 202) The VA must complete a study and report on the feasibility and advisability of providing complementary and integrative health treatments, such as acupuncture, at all VA medical facilities. (Sec. 203) After the Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery Commission submits its final report, the VA must conduct a three-year pilot program to provide complementary and integrative health services (e.g., animal therapy) to certain veterans from the VA or non-VA entities for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. The VA is authorized to extend the duration based on the results of the implementation. (Sec. 204) The VA must seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the effects of opioids and benzodiazepine on all-cause mortality of veterans, including suicide, regardless of whether information relating to such deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must conduct a review of the staffing levels for mental health professionals of the VA. (Sec. 205) This section requires the GAO to report on the VA's efforts to manage veterans at high risk for suicide. TITLE III--PROGRAMS, STUDIES, AND GUIDELINES ON MENTAL HEALTH (Sec. 301) This section requires the VA to conduct a study on the connection between living at high altitude and the risk of developing depression or dying by suicide among veterans. Depending on the results, a follow-up study may be required to identify biological causes and effective treatments. (Sec. 302) The VA must develop a clinical provider treatment toolkit and training materials for the evidence-based management of comorbid mental health conditions, comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, and a comorbid mental health condition and chronic pain. (Sec. 303) The VA and DOD (through the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide Work Group) must issue an update to the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide that (1) considers gender-specific factors; and (2) includes guidance with respect to the efficacy of certain alternative therapies, such as meditation and animal therapy. (Sec. 304) This section requires the VA to complete the development of a clinical practice guideline or guidelines for the treatment of serious mental illness. Under this section, such guidelines must address the treatment of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and persistent mood disorder (including bipolar disorder I and II). The VA must establish the Serious Mental Illness Work Group with DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop such clinical practice guideline or guidelines. Additionally, the VA must complete an assessment of the 2016 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Major Depressive Disorders to determine if an update is necessary. (Sec. 305) The VA must implement the Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative to identify and validate brain and mental health biomarkers among veterans, with specific consideration for depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and traumatic brain injury. The VA must develop data privacy and security measures to ensure the information of veterans participating in the initiative is kept private and secure. The VA must also coordinate efforts of the initiative with the Million Veterans Program. (Sec. 306) This section authorizes the VA to contract with academic institutions or other qualified entities to carry out any statistical analyses and data evaluation as required by law. TITLE IV--OVERSIGHT OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND RELATED SERVICES (Sec. 401) The VA must enter into an agreement with a nonfederal government entity that has expertise in conducting and evaluating research-based studies to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the VA's suicide prevention and mental health outreach materials and campaigns. (Sec. 402) The VA must establish measurable goals to evaluate the effectiveness of the VA's mental health and suicide prevention media outreach campaigns. (Sec. 403) This section requires the GAO to conduct a management review of the mental health and suicide prevention services provided by the VA. (Sec. 404) The GAO must report on the VA's efforts to integrate (1) mental health care into VA primary care clinics, and (2) community-based mental health care (care provided by a non-VA provider but paid for by the VA) into the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). (Sec. 405) The VA and DOD must report on their mental health programs, including joint programs of the departments. The VA must establish a joint VA/DOD Intrepid Spirit Center to serve active duty members of the Armed Forces, members of the reserve components, and veterans for mutual benefit and growth in treatment and care for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. TITLE V--IMPROVEMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH MEDICAL WORKFORCE (Sec. 501) The VA must submit a plan to address the staffing of mental health providers at its facilities. Additionally, the VA must develop an occupational series for its licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. (Sec. 502) This section requires the VA to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program under the Educational Assistance Program. (Sec. 503) The GAO must report on the VA's Readjustment Counseling Service. Such report must include, among other elements, an assessment of barriers to care at Vet Centers. (Sec. 504) This section expands the annual reporting requirement on the activities of the Readjustment Counseling Service to include additional elements. (Sec. 505) The VA must conduct a survey on the attitudes of veterans toward the VA offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of VA facilities, including via telehealth appointments. The VA must also study the feasibility and advisability of offering appointments outside the usual operating hours (Sec. 506) The VA must ensure each of its medical centers is staffed with at least one suicide prevention coordinator. In addition, the VA must conduct a study to determine the feasibility and advisability of the realignment and reorganization of suicide prevention coordinators within the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the creation of a suicide prevention coordinator program office. (Sec. 507) This section requires the VA to report on its efforts to implement a suicide prevention program for veterans presenting to an emergency department or urgent care center of the VHA who are assessed to be at risk for suicide and are safe to be discharged home. TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS (Sec. 601) This section requires the VA to expand the capabilities of the Women Veterans Call Center by including a text messaging capability. (Sec. 602) The VA must publish a website providing information for women veterans about the benefits and services available to them. TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS (Sec. 701) This section requires the VA to award grants to entities for the expansion of telehealth capabilities and provision of telehealth services to veterans. An entity seeking to establish a telehealth access point for veterans without grant funding is authorized to enter into an agreement with the VA to establish such access point. The VA must assess and report on the barriers veterans face in accessing telehealth services. (Sec. 702) This section authorizes the VA to enter partnerships with nonfederal government entities to provide hyperbaric oxygen treatment to veterans to research the effectiveness of such therapy in treating certain conditions (e.g., PTSD). The VA must conduct a systematic review of published research literature on off-label use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injury among veterans and nonveterans. Additionally, the VA must conduct a study on all individuals receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy through the VA's current pilot program to determine the efficacy and effectiveness for treating PTSD and traumatic brain injury. (Sec. 703) The VA must prescribe specified technical qualifications for appointment as a licensed hearing aid specialist in the VHA. Under this section, at least one licensed hearing aid specialist must be appointed at each VA medical center. (Sec. 704) This section requires the VA to complete policy revisions within the internal directive titled Requirements for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research to allow sponsored clinical research of the VA to use accredited commercial institutional review boards to review VA research proposal protocols. The VA must (1) identify accredited commercial institutional review boards for use in connection with sponsored clinical research of the VA, and (2) establish a process to modify existing approvals if a board loses its accreditation during an ongoing clinical trial. (Sec. 705) This section also requires the VA to establish an Office of Research Reviews within the VA's Office of Information and Technology to perform centralized security reviews and complete security processes for approved research sponsored outside the VA, among other purposes.