H.R. 5029 — Introduced in House

I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5029 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 8, 2019Mr. Watkins introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to staff each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs with at least one suicide prevention coordinator, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the VA Suicide Prevention Services Act. 2. Suicide prevention coordinators at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs is staffed with not fewer than one full-time employee whose primary job responsibility is serving as a suicide prevention coordinator. (b) Definitions In this Act: (1) Mental health clinician The term mental health clinician means a psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, or licensed professional mental health counselor hired under section 7401(3) of title 38, United States Code, or a nurse hired under section 7401(1) of such title. (2) Suicide prevention coordinator The term suicide prevention coordinator means a mental health clinician who is responsible for— (A) coordinating local suicide prevention strategies and activities, including those supporting the identification of veterans at a high risk of suicide; (B) coordination of enhanced care for veterans identified as being at a high risk of suicide; and (C) suicide prevention education and outreach to stakeholders, including health care providers, veterans, caregivers, families, and members of the community.