H.R. 1290

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs refers veterans experiencing mental health crises to approved non-Department mental health care providers, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · February 13, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Buchanan · Committee: Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Table of contents

• H.R. 1290
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program on mental health referrals

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program on mental health referrals

• (a) Pilot program
  • Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a three-year pilot program under which Vet Centers and medical facilities of the Department provide veterans experiencing mental health crises with referrals to non-Department mental health care providers approved by the Secretary.
• (b) Locations
  • The Secretary shall select at least three geographic locations at which to carry out the pilot program required under subsection (a).
• (c) Requirements
  • In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
    • develop and maintain a referral system to connect veterans experiencing mental health crises with non-Department mental health care providers within one week;
    • develop criteria for the approval of non-Department mental health care providers for purposes of referrals under the program;
    • hire any additional employees required to facilitate referrals under the system; and
    • provide appropriate training to employees of Vet Centers and medical facilities of the Department on the referral system.
• (d) Reports
  • (1) Annual reports
    • Not later than six months after the last day of each year during which the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation and outcomes of the pilot program. Each such report shall include the following for the year covered by the report:
      • The number of veterans referred to non-Department mental health care providers under the pilot program.
      • The average wait time for a veteran to receive mental health care after receiving a referral under the pilot program.
      • An evaluation of veteran satisfaction with the mental health care received through the referral system.
  • (2) Final report
    • Not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final report containing an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program and the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to expanding or modifying the referral system developed under the program.
• (e) Authorization of appropriations
  • There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program required under subsection (a) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2027.