Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3546

Introduced
12/14/23  

Caption

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

Impact

This legislation has the potential to significantly impact how mental health and addiction services are evaluated and perceived under both VA and non-VA frameworks. By focusing on evidence-based practices and patient care quality, the bill seeks to improve outcomes for veterans, ensuring they receive high-quality treatment regardless of the provider. The final report, which will be made publicly available, is expected to lead to insights that could inform future policymaking and potential reforms in mental health and addiction therapy for veterans.

Summary

Senate Bill 3546, known as the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, mandates a comprehensive study on the quality of care differences between mental health and addiction therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) versus non-Department providers. The study aims to be objective and will focus on various modalities of care, including telehealth, inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is tasked with securing an independent organization to conduct this study within 90 days of the bill's enactment, with a report due within 18 months of the agreement.

Contention

As with any bill concerning veterans' care, there are likely to be points of contention. Critics might raise concerns about the allocation of funding for the study or the potential implications the findings could have on existing providers within the VA system. There may also be discussions around how the study's recommendations are implemented, particularly if it reveals significant discrepancies between the quality of care offered by VA and non-VA providers. Overall, while the intent of the bill is to enhance care, stakeholders may have varied responses depending on how it could affect their interests and the systems already in place.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB702

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

US HB2426

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

US HB3811

Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act

US SB3532

Youth Mental Health Data Act of 2023

US HB9427

Veterans’ Mental Health Access Act

US HB6338

Veterans’ Cancer Care Coordinator Act of 2023

US HB8371

Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2024

US HB6331

DOULA for VA Act of 2023 Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2023

US HB7919

Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024

US SB3560

Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2024

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.