Us Congress House Bill HB9485

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/6/24
• Refer: 9/6/24
• Refer: 9/17/24

Caption

Enhancing Faith-Based Support for Veterans Act of 2024

Impact

The passage of HB 9485 could significantly alter the way spiritual care is integrated into the veterans' healthcare framework. It provides a means for veterans who desire faith-based support to engage with their preferred religious organizations more directly. By enabling chaplains to act as liaisons between patients and faith communities, the bill may enhance the holistic care veterans receive, which includes both physical and spiritual health considerations. This legislative change underscores the importance of addressing the spiritual dimensions of health in the context of veteran services.

Summary

House Bill 9485, titled the 'Enhancing Faith-Based Support for Veterans Act of 2024', aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code. It allows chaplains employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to voluntarily transmit the contact information of patients to religious or faith-based organizations, provided that the patients consent to this transmission. This legislation intends to enhance the spiritual support available to veterans by facilitating connections between them and their chosen faith-based organizations through their chaplains.

Contention

However, the bill raises several concerns regarding patient privacy and confidentiality. Critics argue that allowing chaplains to share patient information with outside organizations may infringe on patient rights and could lead to potential breaches of sensitive data. There are worries about the lack of stringent safeguards surrounding how patient information is handled once it is shared with these external entities. Furthermore, the legislation could lead to debates on the appropriateness of religious organizations' involvement in healthcare settings, as well as fears about the potential for coercive practices regarding veterans' faith-related needs.