I 
113TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 4977 
To establish a commission to examine the evidence-based therapy treatment 
model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating mental 
illnesses of veterans and the potential benefits of incorporating com-
plementary alternative treatments available in non-Department of Vet-
erans Affairs medical facilities within the community. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 26, 2014 
Mr. BILIRAKIS (for himself and Mr. RUIZ) introduced the following bill; which 
was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs 
A BILL 
To establish a commission to examine the evidence-based 
therapy treatment model used by the Secretary of Vet-
erans Affairs for treating mental illnesses of veterans 
and the potential benefits of incorporating complemen-
tary alternative treatments available in non-Department 
of Veterans Affairs medical facilities within the commu-
nity. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Creating Options for 
Veterans Expedited Recovery Act’’ or the ‘‘COVER Act’’. 
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SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the Vet-
erans Expedited Recovery Commission (in this Act re-
ferred to as the ‘‘Commission’’). 
(b) DUTIES.—The Commission shall perform the fol-
lowing duties: 
(1) Examine the efficacy of the evidence-based 
therapy model used by the Secretary of Veterans Af-
fairs for treating mental health illnesses of veterans 
and identify areas to improve wellness-based out-
comes. 
(2) Conduct a patient-centered survey within 
each of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to 
examine— 
(A) the experience of veterans with the De-
partment of Veterans Affairs when seeking 
medical assistance for mental health issues 
through the health care system of the Depart-
ment; 
(B) the experience of veterans with non- 
Department medical facilities and health profes-
sionals for treating mental health issues; 
(C) the preferences of veterans regarding 
available treatments for mental health issues 
and which methods the veterans believe to be 
most effective; 
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(F) meditation therapy; 
(G) outdoor sports therapy; 
(H) hyperbaric oxygen therapy; 
(I) accelerated resolution therapy; and 
(J) other therapies the Commission deter-
mines appropriate. 
(4) Study the potential increase in the approval 
by the Secretary of claims for compensation relating 
to mental health issues for veterans who served Op-
eration Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Free-
dom, and Operation New Dawn. 
SEC. 3. MEMBERSHIP. 
(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commission shall be 
composed of 10 members, appointed as follows: 
(A) Two members appointed by the Speak-
er of the House of Representatives, at least one 
of whom shall be a veteran. 
(B) Two members appointed by the Minor-
ity Leader of the House of Representatives, at 
least one of whom shall be a veteran. 
(C) Two members appointed by the Major-
ity Leader of the Senate, at least one of whom 
shall be a veteran. 
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(D) Two members appointed by the Minor-
ity Leader of the Senate, at least one of whom 
shall be a veteran. 
(E) Two members appointed by the Presi-
dent, at least one of whom shall be a veteran. 
(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—Members of the Com-
mission shall be— 
(A) individuals who are of recognized 
standing and distinction within the medical 
community with a background in treating men-
tal health; and 
(B) individuals with experience working 
with the military and veteran population. 
(b) CHAIRMAN.—The President shall designate a 
member of the Commission to be the chairman. 
(c) PERIOD
OF APPOINTMENT.—Members of the 
Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commis-
sion. 
(d) VACANCY.—A vacancy in the Commission shall 
be filled in the manner in which the original appointment 
was made. 
(e) APPOINTMENT DEADLINE.—The appointment of 
members of the Commission in this section shall be made 
not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
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SEC. 4. POWERS OF COMMISSION. 
(a) MEETING.— 
(1) INITIAL MEETING.—The Commission shall 
hold its first meeting not later than 30 days after 
a majority of members are appointed to the Commis-
sion. 
(2) MEETING.—The Commission shall regularly 
meet at the call of the Chairman. Such meetings 
may be carried out through the use of telephonic or 
other appropriate telecommunication technology if 
the Commission determines that such technology will 
allow the members to communicate simultaneously. 
(b) HEARING.—The Commission may hold such hear-
ings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testi-
mony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers 
advisable to carry out the responsibilities of the Commis-
sion. 
(c) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.—The 
Commission may secure directly from any department or 
agency of the Federal Government such information as the 
Commission considers necessary to carry out the duties 
of the Commission. 
(d) INFORMATION FROM NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGA-
NIZATIONS.—In carrying out section 2(b), the Commission 
may seek guidance through consultation with foundations, 
veterans service organizations, nonprofit groups, faith- 
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based organizations, private and public institutions of 
higher education, and other organizations as the Commis-
sion determines appropriate. 
(e) COMMISSION RECORDS.—The Commission shall 
keep an accurate and complete record of the actions and 
meetings of the Commission. Such record shall be made 
available for public inspection and the Comptroller Gen-
eral of the United States may audit and examine such 
record. 
(f) PERSONNEL MATTERS.—Upon request of the 
chairman of the Commission, the head of any department 
or agency of the Federal Government may detail, on a re-
imbursable basis, any personnel of that department or 
agency to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties 
of the Commission. 
(g) COMPENSATION
OF MEMBERS; TRAVEL EX-
PENSES.—Each member shall serve without pay, except 
that each member shall receive travel expenses to perform 
the duties of the Commission under section 2(b) of this 
Act, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates au-
thorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, 
United States Code. 
(h) STAFF.—The Chairman, in accordance with rules 
agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the 
compensation of a staff director and such other personnel 
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as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry 
out its functions, without regard to the provisions of title 
5, United States Code, governing appointments in the 
competitive service, without regard to the provision of 
chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title 
relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, 
except that no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may 
exceed the equivalent of that payable for a position at a 
level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of 
title 5, United States Code. 
(i) PERSONNEL AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The executive director and 
any personnel of the Commission are employees 
under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, 
for purpose of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, 
and 90 of such title. 
(2) MEMBERS
OF
THE
COMMISSION.—Para-
graph (1) shall not be construed to apply to mem-
bers of the Commission. 
(j) CONTRACTING.—The Commission may, to such 
extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropria-
tions Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Commission 
to discharge the duties of the Commission under this Act. 
(k) EXPERT AND CONSULTANT SERVICE.—The Com-
mission may procure the services of experts and consult-
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