Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB236

Introduced
1/10/23  
Refer
1/10/23  

Caption

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as Battle Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.

Impact

The establishment of Battle Buddy Check Week is designed to increase awareness and encourage proactive measures in veteran communities concerning mental health and suicide prevention. During this designated week, the VA will collaborate with multiple organizations to provide training for veterans on how to conduct wellness checks for their peers. This training will include essential resources and strategies for effectively supporting fellow veterans in crisis. Furthermore, the bill also mandates that the Veterans Crisis Line prepare for a potential increase in calls during this week, ensuring that resources remain accessible.

Summary

House Bill 236 aims to enhance outreach and education concerning peer wellness checks for veterans by designating a specific week each year as 'Battle Buddy Check Week.' This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prevent veteran suicides and promote mental health among those who have served in the Armed Forces. The bill emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer support, recognizing that fellow veterans can play a crucial role in helping one another during difficult times.

Contention

One potential point of contention with HB236 may stem from concerns about how effectively the VA can mobilize resources and engage veterans during Battle Buddy Check Week. Critics may question the adequacy of outreach strategies or the training's effectiveness in preparing veterans to assist their peers. Furthermore, discussions around the funding and the practicality of implementing the initiatives proposed in the bill could arise, especially as the VA continues to navigate logistical challenges in veteran mental health services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB5697

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a certain form by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB291

Vaccine Discharge Parity Act This bill ensures that members of the Armed Forces who were granted a general discharge under honorable conditions (on the sole basis that the members failed to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19) are eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty and Post-9/11 GI Bill programs. The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through March 1, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.

US HB226

Veterans Collaboration Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program in states with the highest veteran populations to promote collaboration between the VA, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher learning. The VA shall emphasize collaboration with (1) veterans service organizations that provide personnel with appropriate credentials to assist veterans in filing disability compensation claims and appeals with the VA, and (2) educational institutions that provide veterans with pro bono legal assistance.

US HB10369

To improve the emergency management capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US SB291

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

US HB136

Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of covered veterans who died by suicide during the last five years, regardless of whether information relating to such deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A covered veteran is any veteran who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the veteran's death.Among other elements, the report shall include the total number of covered veterans who died by suicide, violent death, or accidental death, as well as certain demographic information.

US HB41

VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the scheduling for the appointment occurs during that telephone call.

US HB2733

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB5153

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to employ veterans in certain wildland firefighting activities.

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