Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act

Bill: 118-hr-3811
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4]
Introduced: 2023-06-05
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Advisory bodies

Behavioral sciences

Congressional oversight

Health personnel

Mental health

Veterans' medical care
Latest action: action_date: 2023-07-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-06-05
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act</b></p> <p>This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use an independent and objective outside organization to study the difference in the quality of care between behavioral and mental health care provided by VA providers and care provided by non-VA providers.</p>

tv_txt: I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 3811 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 5, 2023 Mr. Fallon (for himself and Mr. Bishop of Georgia ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the quality of care difference between behavioral and mental health care provided by health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs compared to non-Department providers.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act . 2. Study on quality of care difference between behavioral and mental health care provided by health care providers of Department of Veterans Affairs compared to non-Department providers (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the quality of care difference between behavioral and mental health care under the laws administered by the Secretary provided by health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs compared to non-Department providers. (b) Conduct of study The Secretary shall conduct the study under subsection (a) through the use of an independent and objective organization outside the Department. (c) Matters To be studied In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine— (1) any differences in health outcomes for veterans between care from providers of the Department and non-Department providers, including symptom scores and suicide risk; (2) if non-Department providers are using evidence-based practices in the treatment of behavioral and mental health issues; and (3) potential gaps in coordination between providers of the Department and non-Department providers in responding to individuals seeking behavioral or mental health care. (d) Report Not later than one year 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 on the study conducted under subsection (a).