Summary

Requires the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to make an optional treatment called a stellate ganglion block (SGB) available to eligible people with PTSD. Veterans enrolled in VA care and TRICARE‑enrolled service members can choose this procedure after being told the risks and benefits. It also directs VA and DoD to update their joint PTSD clinical practice guideline within 180 days. The new policy takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Key Points

• Requires VA and DoD/TRICARE to offer stellate ganglion block (SGB) as an optional treatment for PTSD.
• Applies to VA‑enrolled veterans and TRICARE‑enrolled service members who elect the procedure.
• Informed consent is required; patients must be told risks and benefits before choosing SGB.
• VA and DoD must update their joint PTSD clinical practice guideline within 180 days.
• The new requirements take effect 180 days after enactment.
• Codifies VA and DoD authority to furnish SGB for PTSD in titles 38 and 10.
• Does not mandate SGB for any patient; it adds a covered option.
• Will require facilities to ensure trained providers, protocols, and patient education materials.

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