,,ii #aaf? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,s4 #ghe ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,m>* #ac1 #bjai ,mr4 ,te/] 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,moran1 ,ms4 ,baldw91 ,ms4 ,/ab5[1 ,mr4 ,ka9e1 ,mr4 ,m>key1 ,ms4 ,s9ema1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mr4 ,durb91 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,ms4 ,h>ris1 ,mr4 ,udall1 ,mr4 ,blum5?al1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,w>n]1 ,mrs4 ,murray1 ,mrs4 ,fe9/e91 ,mr4 ,m55dez1 ,mr4 ,book]1 ,ms4 ,smi?1 ,mr4 ,man*91 ,ms4 ,klobu*>1 ,mr4 ,s&]s1 & ,ms4 ,duckwor?7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to improve m5tal heal? c>e provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,comm&] ,john ,scott ,hannon ,vet]ans ,m5tal ,heal? ,c>e ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4 ,,title ,i--,improvem5t ( transition ( individuals to s]vices f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,sec4 #aja4 ,expansion ( heal? c>e cov]age = vet]ans4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,grants = provision ( transition assi/ance to =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces transition+ to civilian life4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,/udy ( community-bas$ transition assi/ance programs = =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,modification ( eligibility = c>e f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ) o!r ?an honorable dis*>ges & report on su* c>e4 ,,title ,,ii--,suicide prev5tion ,sec4 #bja4 ,grants = organizations provid+ m5tal heal? wellness s]vices to vet]ans4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,designation ( buddy *eck week by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,po/-traumatic gr[? p>tn]%ips4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,progress ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 meet+ goals & objectives ( ,national ,/rategy = ,prev5t+ ,vet]an ,suicide4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,/udy on feasibility & advisability ( provid+ c]ta9 complem5t>y & integrative heal? s]vices4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,program to provide vet]ans access to complem5t>y & integrative heal? s]vices ?r\gh animal !rapy1 agri-!rapy1 & outdoor sports !rapy4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on managem5t by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( vet]ans at high risk = suicide4 ,,title ,,iii--,programs1 /udies1 & guidel9es on m5tal heal? ,sec4 #cja4 ,program to provide vet]ans access to comput]iz$ cognitive behavioral !rapy4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,/udy on connection betwe5 liv+ at high altitude & suicide risk factors among vet]ans4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,e/abli%m5t by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se ( cl9ical practice guidel9es = comorbid m5tal heal? conditions4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,update ( cl9ical practice guidel9es = assessm5t & managem5t ( pati5ts at risk = suicide4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,precision m$ic9e initiative ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to id5tify & validate bra9 & m5tal heal? biom>k]s4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,prev5tative & complex data analysis by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,,title ,,iv--,ov]sight ( m5tal heal? c>e & relat$ s]vices ,sec4 #dja4 ,/udy on effectiv5ess ( suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* programs ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,ov]sight ( m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* conduct$ by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,annual report on progress ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 meet+ goals & objectives ( ,executive ,ord] #achbb4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al managem5t review ( m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion s]vices ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on ef=ts ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to integrate m5tal heal? c>e into prim>y c>e cl9ics4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,jo9t m5tal heal? programs by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 ,,title ,v--,m$ical work=ce ,subtitle ,a--,improvem5t ( m5tal heal? m$ical work=ce ,sec4 #eja4 ,treatm5t ( psy*ologi/s4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,/aff+ improvem5t plan = psy*iatri/s & psy*ologi/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,occupational s]ies & /aff+ improvem5t plan = lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,/aff+ improvem5t plan = pe] speciali/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o are wom54 ,sec4 #eje4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program4 ,sec4 #ejf4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejg4 ,expansion ( report+ requirem5ts on ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejh4 ,/udies on alt]native "w s*$ules = employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 ,sec4 #eji4 ,suicide prev5tion coord9ators4 ,subtitle ,b--,direct hir+ au?orities = c]ta9 heal? c>e positions ,sec4 #eba4 ,direct hir+ au?orities = c]ta9 heal? c>e positions4 ,,title ,,vi--,improvem5t ( teleheal? s]vices ,sec4 #fja4 ,exp&$ teleheal? f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #fjb4 ,implem5tation ( national protocol = teleheal? security & int]fac+ in/ructions4 ,i ,improvem5t ( transition ( individuals to s]vices f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs #aja4 ,expansion ( heal? c>e cov]age = vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #agaj7;a77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ & at ! end2 7#b7 by r$esignat+ subp>agraph 7,b7 z subp>agraph 7,c72 & 7#c7 by ins]t+ aft] subp>agraph 7,a7 ! foll[+ new subp>agraph 7,b73 7,b7 to any vet]an dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod foll[+ ! dis*>ge or release ( ! vet]an f active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice2 & 4 7b7 ,pati5t enrollm5t sy/em ,section #agje7;c7 ( su* title is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to prev5t ! ,secret>y f provid+ hospital c>e & m$ical s]vices to a vet]an "u section #agaj7;a77#a77;,b7 ( ?is title dur+ ! p]iod specifi$ 9 su* section not)/&+ ! failure ( ! vet]an to enroll 9 ! sy/em ( pati5t enrollm5t e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a74 4 7c7 ,promotion ( exp&$ eligibility 7#a7 ,transition ,assi/ance ,program 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,labor1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se & ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all promote to memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces transition+ f s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to civilian life ?r\gh ! ,transition ,assi/ance ,program ! exp&$ eligibility ( vet]ans = heal? c>e "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs pursuant to ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section4 7,b7 ,transition ,assi/ance ,program def9$ ,9 ?is p>agraph1 ! t]m ,transition ,assi/ance ,program means ! ,transition ,assi/ance ,program "u sections #aadb & #aadd ( title #aj1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,publication by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all publi% on a website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs notification ( ! exp&$ eligibility ( vet]ans = heal? c>e "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y pursuant to ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section4 #ajb4 ,grants = provision ( transition assi/ance to =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces transition+ to civilian life 7a7 ,program requir$ ,comm5c+ n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 c>ry out a program on ! provision ( assi/ance to =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 & sp\ses ( su* memb]s1 transition+ f s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to civilian life4 7b7 ,duration ( program ,! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all c>ry out ! program dur+ ! five-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7c7 ,grants 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program ?r\gh ! aw>d ( grants to eligible organizations = ! provision ( assi/ance describ$ 9 subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,mat*+ funds requir$ ,a grant "u ?is section %all be 9 an am\nt t does n exce$ #ej p]c5t ( ! am\nt requir$ by ! organization to provide ! s]vices describ$ 9 subsection 7f74 7d7 ,eligible organizations ,= purposes ( ?is section1 an eligible organization is any nonpr(it organization t ! ,secret>y ( ,labor det]m9es1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,/ate entities t s]ve vet]ans1 is suitable = receipt ( a grant "u ! program pursuant to receipt by ! ,secret>y ( ,labor ( an application submitt$ "u subsection 7e77#a74 7e7 ,selection ( grant recipi5ts 7#a7 ,applications ,an organization seek+ a grant "u ! program %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( ,labor an application !re= at su* "t1 9 su* mann]1 & conta9+ su* in=mation & assurances z ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,/ate entities t s]ve vet]ans1 may require4 7#b7 ,priority = hubs ( s]vices ,9 aw>d+ grants "u ! program1 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all give priority to an organization t provides multiple =ms ( s]vices describ$ 9 subsection 7f74 7f7 ,use ( grant funds ,ea* organization receiv+ a grant "u ! program %all use ! grant to provide to =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & sp\ses describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,rsum assi/ance4 7#b7 ,int]view tra9+4 7#c7 ,job recruitm5t tra9+4 7#d7 ,entrepr5eur%ip tra9+4 7#e7 ,f9ancial s]vices4 7#f7 ,legal assi/ance4 7#g7 ,educational supportive s]vices4 7#h7 ,assi/ance ) access+ b5efits provid$ "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 includ+ home loan b5efits1 education b5efits1 adaptive h\s+ grants1 & all o!r b5efits4 7#i7 ,noncl9ical case managem5t4 7#aj7 ,o!r relat$ s]vices lead+ directly to successful transition1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,labor 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7g7 ,annual reports 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program & n less frequ5tly ?an once ea* ye> !reaft] until ! t]m9ation ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress a report on ! program c>ri$ out "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a li/ ( ! organizations t h receiv$ grants "u ! program1 includ+ ! geographic location ( ! organization & ! types ( s]vices outl9$ 9 subsection 7f7 t ea* organization provides4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans s]v$ by ea* organization4 7,c7 ,an assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( ! s]vices provid$ "u ! program at improv+ ! transition process = =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & sp\ses describ$ 9 subsection 7a71 bas$ on metrics det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,labor 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7,d7 ,! am\nt ( ea* grant aw>d$ to ea* organization "u ! program4 7,e7 ,su* o!r matt]s z ! ,secret>y ( ,labor1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 consid]s appropriate4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees ( ,congress ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,committee on ,appropriations ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7,b7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,committee on ,appropriations ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7h7 ,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re is au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ #aj1jjj1jjj to c>ry out ?is section4 #ajc4 ,/udy ( community-bas$ transition assi/ance programs = =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces 7a7 ,/udy 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,labor & ,/ate entities t s]ve =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 ent] into an agreem5t ) a ,f$]al or non-,f$]al entity to develop or access a compreh5sive li/ ( community-bas$ programs t-- 7,a7 provide transition assi/ance to su* =m] memb]s t lead directly to successful transition to civilian life1 su* z-- 7i7 rsum assi/ance2 7ii7 int]view tra9+2 7iii7 job recruitm5t tra9+2 7iv7 entrepr5eur%ip tra9+2 7v7 f9ancial s]vices2 7vi7 legal assi/ance2 7vii7 educational supportive s]vices2 7viii7 assi/ance ) access+ b5efits provid$ "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 includ+ home loan b5efits1 education b5efits1 adaptive h\s+ grants1 & o!r b5efits2 & 7ix7 noncl9ical case managem5t2 & 7,b7 are op]at$ by nonpr(it organizations4 7#b7 ,updates 7,a7 ,p]iodic ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e five ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all update ! li/ creat$ "u p>agraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,^u reque/ ,9 addition to p]iodic updates "u subp>agraph 7,a71 ! ,secret>y %all update ! li/ creat$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 ^u reque/ ( an organization ) a program includ$ 9 ! li/4 7,c7 ,v]ification ,! ,secret>y %all1 9 consultation ) ,/ate entities t s]ve =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & to ! degree practicable1 v]ify *anges to ! li/ made "u ?is p>agraph4 7b7 ,transmission to memb]s ,! ,secret>y %all transmit ! li/ creat$1 & revis$ z ! case may be1 "u subsection 7a7 to ! ,secret>y ( ,labor & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se s ! ,secret>ies ( ! milit>y dep>tm5ts may provide in=mation 9 ! li/ to memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o p>ticipate 9 ! ,transition ,assi/ance ,program "u sections #aadb & #aadd ( title #aj1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7c7 ,onl9e publication ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all publi% ! li/ creat$1 & revis$ z ! case may be1 "u subsection 7a7 on a public website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #ajd4 ,modification ( eligibility = c>e f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ) o!r ?an honorable dis*>ges & report on su* c>e 7a7 ,eligibility ,subsection 7b77#b77;,b7 ( section #agbj;,i ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ a dis*>ge by c\rt m>tial & ins]t+ a dismissal4 7b7 ,in=mation ,subsection 7e7 ( su* section is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ & at ! end2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,c71 by /rik+ & at ! end2 7,c7 by r$esignat+ subp>agraph 7,c7 z subp>agraph 7,d72 & 7,d7 by ins]t+ aft] subp>agraph 7,b7 ! foll[+ new subp>agraph 7,c73 7,c7 is display$ prom95tly on a website ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 2 7#b7 by r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#d7 z p>agraph 7#e72 & 7#c7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#c7 ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#d73 7#d7 %all include outrea* on ,int]net se>* eng9es2 & 4 7c7 ,annual report ,subsection 7f7 ( su* section is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ,n less frequ5tly ?an once & ins]t+ ,n lat] ?an ,febru>y #ae2 & 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by r$esignat+ subp>agraph 7,c7 z subp>agraph 7,f72 & 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7,b7 ! foll[+ new subp>agraphs3 7,c7 ,! types ( m5tal or behavioral heal? c>e ne$s treat$ "u ?is section4 7,d7 ,! demographics ( individuals be+ treat$ "u ?is section1 includ+-- 7i7 age2 7ii7 era ( s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces2 7iii7 bran* ( s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces2 & 7iv7 geographic location4 7,e7 ,! av]age numb] ( visits = an individual = m5tal or behavioral heal? c>e "u ?is section4 4 ,,ii ,suicide prev5tion #bja4 ,grants = organizations provid+ m5tal heal? wellness s]vices to vet]ans 7a7 ,purpose ,! purpose ( ?is section is to facilitate ! provision ( m5tal heal? s]vices = vet]ans ) m5tal heal? conditions :o are receiv+ c>e outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ag ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #agbj;,j4 ,f9ancial assi/ance = m5tal heal? supportive s]vices = vet]ans seek+ m5tal heal? treatm5t 7a7 ,di/ribution ( f9ancial assi/ance 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all provide f9ancial assi/ance to eligible entities approv$ "u ?is section to provide or coord9ate ! provision ( m5tal heal? supportive s]vices describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 = a vet]an ) a m5tal heal? condition :o is seek+ m5tal heal? treatm5t4 7#b7 ,f9ancial assi/ance "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all consi/ ( ! aw>d ( a grant to an approv$ eligible entity = ea* vet]an describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 = :i* ! approv$ eligible entity is provid+ or coord9at+ ! provision ( m5tal heal? supportive s]vices4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y %all aw>d grants "u ?is section to ea* approv$ eligible entity t is provid+ or coord9at+ ! provision ( m5tal heal? supportive s]vices "u ?is section4 7,b7 ,! ,secret>y may e/abli% int]vals ( paym5t = ! adm9i/ration ( grants "u ?is section & e/abli% a maximum am\nt to be aw>d$1 9 accordance ) ! s]vices be+ provid$ & ! duration ( su* s]vices4 7#d7 ,9 provid+ f9ancial assi/ance "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all give pref]5ce to entities provid+ or coord9at+ ! provision ( supportive m5tal heal? s]vices = vet]ans ) m5tal heal? conditions :o face b>ri]s 9 access+ m5tal heal? c>e s]vices f ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#e7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t1 to ! ext5t practicable1 f9ancial assi/ance "u ?is subsection is equitably di/ribut$ across geographic regions1 includ+ rural communities & tribal l&s4 7#f7 ,ea* entity receiv+ f9ancial assi/ance "u ?is section to provide m5tal heal? supportive s]vices to a vet]an ) a m5tal heal? condition %all notify t vet]an t su* s]vices are be+ paid =1 9 :ole or 9 "p1 by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#g7 ,! ,secret>y %all require entities receiv+ f9ancial assi/ance "u ?is section to submit a report to ! ,secret>y t describes ! s]vices provid$ or coord9at$ ) su* f9ancial assi/ance4 7b7 ,m5tal heal? supportive s]vices ,! m5tal heal? supportive s]vices describ$ 9 ?is subsection are s]vices provid$ by an eligible entity or a subcontractor ( an eligible entity t address ! ne$s ( vet]ans ) m5tal heal? conditions1 includ+-- 7#a7 outrea* s]vices2 7#b7 case managem5t s]vices2 7#c7 assi/ance 9 obta9+ any b5efits f ! ,dep>tm5t t ! vet]an may be eligible to receive1 includ+ heal? c>e s]vices1 vocational & rehabilitation c\nsel+1 employm5t & tra9+ s]vices1 & educational assi/ance2 & 7#d7 assi/ance 9 obta9+ & coord9at+ ! provision ( o!r public b5efits provid$ by any ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 or local ag5cy1 or any o!r eligible entity1 includ+-- 7,a7 heal? c>e s]vices 7includ+ obta9+ heal? insurance72 7,b7 daily liv+ s]vices2 7,c7 p]sonal f9ancial plann+ s]vices2 7,d7 transportation s]vices2 7,e7 income support s]vices2 7,f7 fiduci>y & repres5tative payee s]vices2 7,g7 legal s]vices to assi/ ! vet]an ) issues t int]f]e ) ! ability ( ! vet]an to f9d & reta9 mean+ful employm5t1 h\s+1 or b5efits to :i* ! vet]an may be entitl$2 7,h7 *ild c>e s]vices2 7,i7 h\s+ c\nsel+2 & 7,j7 o!r s]vices necess>y = ma9ta9+ indep5d5t liv+4 7c7 ,application = f9ancial assi/ance 7#a7 ,an eligible entity seek+ f9ancial assi/ance "u subsection 7a7 %all submit to ! ,secret>y an application !re= 9 su* =m1 9 su* mann]1 & conta9+ su* commitm5ts & in=mation z ! ,secret>y det]m9es to be necess>y to c>ry out ?is section4 7#b7 ,ea* application submitt$ by an eligible entity "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all conta9-- 7,a7 a description ( ! m5tal heal? supportive s]vices describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 propos$ to be provid$ by ! eligible entity "u ?is section & ! id5tifi$ ne$s = ^? s]vices2 7,b7 a description ( ! types ( vet]ans ) a m5tal heal? condition propos$ to be provid$ su* s]vices2 7,c7 an e/imate ( ! numb] ( vet]ans ) a m5tal heal? condition propos$ to be provid$ su* s]vices2 7,d7 evid5ce ( ! exp]i5ce ( ! eligible entity 9 provid+ m5tal heal? supportive s]vices to vet]ans ) a m5tal heal? condition2 & 7,e7 a description ( ! manag]ial capacity ( ! eligible entity-- 7i7 to coord9ate ! provision ( m5tal heal? supportive s]vices ) ! provision ( m5tal heal? s]vices by ! eligible entity or ano!r organization2 7ii7 to assess cont9ually ! ne$s ( vet]ans ) a m5tal heal? condition = m5tal heal? supportive s]vices2 7iii7 to coord9ate ! provision ( m5tal heal? supportive s]vices ) ! s]vices ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7iv7 to tailor supportive m5tal heal? s]vices to ! ne$s ( vet]ans ) a m5tal heal? condition4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y %all e/abli% crit]ia = ! selection ( eligible entities to be provid$ f9ancial assi/ance "u ?is section4 7,b7 ,crit]ia e/abli%$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ) respect to an eligible entity %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,relevant accr$itation z may be requir$ by ea* ,/ate 9 :i* ! eligible entity op]ates4 7ii7 ,exp]i5ce coord9at+ c>e or provid+ treatm5t = vet]ans or memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7d7 ,te*nical assi/ance 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all provide tra9+ & te*nical assi/ance to eligible entities provid$ f9ancial assi/ance "u ?is section reg>d+ ! plann+1 developm5t1 & provision ( m5tal heal? supportive s]vices "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y may provide ! tra9+ describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 directly or ?r\gh grants or contracts ) appropriate public or nonpr(it private entities1 includ+ ?r\gh grants aw>d$ "u section #bjfd ( ?is title4 7e7 ,collection ( in=mation ,to ! ext5t practicable1 ! ,secret>y may collect in=mation f an eligibility entity aw>d$ a grant "u ?is section relat+ to a m5tal heal? condition ( a vet]an = inclusion 9 ! electronic heal? record ( ! ,dep>tm5t = su* vet]an = ! sole purpose ( improv+ c>e provid$ to su* vet]an4 7f7 ,fund+ ,f am\nts appropriat$ to ! ,dep>tm5t = m$ical s]vices1 !re %all be available to c>ry out subsections 7a71 7b71 & 7c7 ! foll[+3 7#a7 #e1jjj1jjj = fiscal ye> #bjba4 7#b7 #aj1jjj1jjj = fiscal ye> #bjbb4 7#c7 #ae1jjj1jjj = fiscal ye> #bjbc4 7g7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m eligible entity means any ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an incorporat$ private in/itution or f\ndation-- 7i7 no "p ( ! net e>n+s ( :i* inures to ! b5efit ( any memb]1 f\nd]1 contributor1 or individual2 7ii7 t has a gov]n+ bo>d t is responsible = ! op]ation ( ! m5tal heal? supportive s]vices provid$ "u ?is section2 & 7iii7 t is approv$ by ! ,secret>y ) respect to f9ancial responsibility4 7,b7 ,a =-pr(it limit$ p>tn]%ip1 ! sole g5]al p>tn] ( :i* is an organization meet+ ! requirem5ts ( clauses 7i71 7ii71 & 7iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,a corporation :olly own$ & controll$ by an organization meet+ ! requirem5ts ( clauses 7i71 7ii71 & 7iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a74 7,d7 ,a tribally designat$ h\s+ entity 7z def9$ 9 section #d ( ! ,native ,am]ican ,h\s+ ,assi/ance & ,self-,det]m9ation ,act ( #aiif 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dajc774 7#b7 ,! t]m vet]an ) a m5tal heal? condition means a vet]an :o has be5 diagnos$ )1 or :o is seek+ treatm5t =1 "o or m m5tal heal? conditions1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ag is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #agbj;,i ! foll[+ new item3 #agbj;,j4 ,f9ancial assi/ance = m5tal heal? supportive s]vices = vet]ans seek+ m5tal heal? treatm5t4 4 7c7 ,/udy on effectiv5ess ( program 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct a /udy on ! effectiv5ess ( ! program ( f9ancial assi/ance "u section #agbj;,j ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7b71 9 meet+ ! ne$s ( vet]ans ) a m5tal heal? condition1 z t t]m is def9$ 9 t section4 7#b7 ,comp>ison ,9 conduct+ ! /udy requir$ by p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all comp>e ! results ( ! program describ$ 9 t p>agraph ) o!r programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs d$icat$ to ! deliv]y ( m5tal heal? s]vices to vet]ans4 7#c7 ,crit]ia ,9 mak+ ! comp>ison requir$ by p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all exam9e ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! satisfaction ( vet]ans t>get$ by ! programs describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,! heal? /atus ( su* vet]ans4 7,c7 ,! m5tal wellness ( su* vet]ans4 7,d7 ,! degree to :i* su* vet]ans are enc\rag$ to engage 9 productive activity by su* programs4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans us+ su* programs1 disaggregat$ by-- 7i7 vet]ans :o h receiv$ c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t 9 ! previ\s two ye>s2 & 7ii7 vet]ans :o h n receiv$ c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t 9 ! previ\s two ye>s4 7,f7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans :o die by suicide :ile receiv+ s]vices f an entity 9 receipt ( a grant "u ! program ( f9ancial assi/ance "u section #agbj;,j ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7b71 or :o die by suicide dur+ ! #ahj-;day p]iod aft] receiv+ su* s]vices4 7#d7 ,report ,n lat] ?an ,decemb] #ca1 #bjba1 & annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! results ( ! /udy requir$ by p>agraph 7#a74 7d7 ,effective date ,! ,secret>y %all beg9 provid+ f9ancial assi/ance "u section #agbj;,j ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7b71 n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #bjb4 ,designation ( buddy *eck week by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all designate "o week p] ye> to organize outrea* ev5ts & educate vet]ans on h[ to conduct pe] wellness *ecks1 :i* %all be kn[n z ,buddy ,*eck ,week4 7b7 ,ev5ts & education 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,dur+ ,buddy ,*eck ,week1 ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) organizations t repres5t vet]ans1 non-pr(its t s]ve vet]ans1 m5tal heal? exp]ts1 memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 & su* o!r entities & individuals z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate1 %all collaborate ) organizations t repres5t vet]ans to provide educational opportunities = vet]ans to le>n h[ to conduct pe] wellness *ecks4 7#b7 ,tra9+ matt]s ,z "p ( ! educational opportunities provid$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all provide ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a script = vet]ans to use to conduct pe] wellness *ecks t includes in=mation on appropriate ref]rals to res\rces vet]ans might ne$4 7,b7 ,onl9e & 9-p]son tra9+1 z appropriate1 on h[ to conduct a pe] wellness *eck4 7,c7 ,opportunities = memb]s ( organizations t repres5t vet]ans to le>n h[ to tra9 individuals to conduct pe] wellness *ecks4 7,d7 ,tra9+ = vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ,buddy ,*eck ,week on h[ to transf] a phone call directly to ! ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e4 7,e7 ,resili5cy tra9+ = vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ,buddy ,*eck ,week on h&l+ a vet]an 9 crisis4 7#c7 ,onl9e mat]ials ,all tra9+ mat]ials provid$ "u ! educational opportunities "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be made available on a website ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,outrea* ,! ,secret>y1 9 collaboration ) organizations t repres5t vet]ans1 may conduct outrea* reg>d+ educational opportunities "u subsection 7b7 at-- 7#a7 public ev5ts :]e _m vet]ans are expect$ to congregate2 7#b7 meet+s ( organizations t repres5t vet]ans2 7#c7 facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 & 7#d7 su* o!r locations z ! ,secret>y1 9 collaboration ) organizations t repres5t vet]ans1 consid]s appropriate4 7d7 ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e plan 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e has a plan = h&l+ ! pot5tial increase ( calls t may occur dur+ ,buddy ,*eck ,week4 7#b7 ,submittal ( plan ,! head ( ! ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e %all submit to ! ,secret>y a plan = h[ to h&le excess calls dur+ ,buddy ,*eck ,week1 :i* may include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,additional h\rs = /aff4 7,b7 ,! use ( a backup call c5t]4 7,c7 ,any o!r plan to ensure t calls f vet]ans 9 crisis are be+ answ]$ 9 a timely mann] by an individual tra9$ at ! same level z a ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e respond]4 7e7 ,vet]ans crisis l9e def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e means ! toll-free hotl9e = vet]ans e/abli%$ "u section #agbj;,f7h7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #bjc4 ,po/-traumatic gr[? p>tn]%ips 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se & ! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security1 %all ent] into p>tn]%ips ) nonpr(it m5tal heal? organizations to facilitate po/-traumatic gr[? among vet]ans :o h exp]i5c$ trauma4 7b7 ,consultation ,be=e ent]+ into a p>tn]%ip "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all consult ) ! ,national ,in/itute ( ,m5tal ,heal?1 ! ,national ,alliance on ,m5tal ,illness1 ! ,am]ican ,psy*ological ,association1 ! ,po/traumatic ,gr[? ,rese>* ,gr\p1 & organizations t repres5t vet]ans4 7c7 ,selection ( p>tn]s ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ensure t ea* organization ) :i* ! ,secret>y ent]s into a p>tn]%ip "u subsection 7a7 has a demon/rat$ hi/ory ( success ) programs to facilitate po/-traumatic gr[?1 includ+-- 7#a7 long-t]m foll[-up ) vet]ans :o h p>ticipat$ 9 su* a program = n less ?an "o ye> aft] completion ( ! program2 & 7#b7 su/a9$ positive1 cl9ically significant outcomes = vet]ans :o h p>ticipat$ 9 su* a program = n less ?an #ahj days aft] completion ( ! program4 7d7 ,outcomes f p>tn]s ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all require ea* nonpr(it m5tal heal? organization t ent]s into a p>tn]%ip ) ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 to submit to ! ,secret>y a description ( ! outcomes f su* p>tn]%ip1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans :o p>ticipate 9 programs ( ! organization to facilitate po/-traumatic gr[?1 includ+ ! numb] ( vet]ans :o drop out be=e completion ( ! program4 7#b7 ,! types ( m5tal or behavioral heal? conditions ( vet]ans :o p>ticipate 9 su* programs4 7#c7 ,! p]c5tage ( vet]ans :o exp]i5ce significant po/-traumatic gr[?4 7#d7 ,su* o!r topics z ! ,secret>y may require to track po/-traumatic gr[?4 7e7 ,po/-,traumatic gr[? 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,= purposes ( ?is section1 po/-traumatic gr[? means positive responses describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 exp]i5c$ aft]1 & (t5 z a result (1 a traumatic ev5t or a major life crisis4 7#b7 ,measurem5t ( gr[? ,po/-traumatic gr[? "u ?is section %all be measur$ ?r\gh self-report$ scales1 use ( ! po/-traumatic /ress disord] *eckli/ set =? 9 ! mo/ rec5t edition ( ! ,diagno/ic & ,/ati/ical ,manual ( ,m5tal ,disord]s publi%$ by ! ,am]ican ,psy*iatric ,association1 & su* o!r metrics z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y4 7#c7 ,positive responses describ$ ,positive responses describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are positive responses 9 "o or m areas ( life1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an appreciation ( & = life4 7,b7 ,improv$ relation%ips ) o!rs4 7,c7 ,realization ( new possibilities 9 life4 7,d7 ,realization ( p]sonal /r5g?4 7,e7 ,spiritual *ange4 7,f7 ,su* o!r areas t ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) organizations specifi$ 9 subsection 7b71 consid]s necess>y4 #bjd4 ,progress ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 meet+ goals & objectives ( ,national ,/rategy = ,prev5t+ ,vet]an ,suicide 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all develop metrics to track progress on ea* ( ! #ad goals & #dc objectives outl9$ 9 ! ,national ,/rategy = ,prev5t+ ,vet]an ,suicide1 #bjah-bjbh prep>$ by ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,metrics ,! metrics develop$ "u subsection 7a7 %all include measures ( bo? p]=mance & effectiv5ess4 7c7 ,initial report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t conta9s ! metrics develop$ "u subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an explanation ( :y ! metrics develop$ "u subsection 7a7 7 *os54 7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ accurately ^? metrics w reflect ! goals & objectives specifi$ 9 su* subsection4 7d7 ,annual report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! submittal ( ! report "u subsection 7b71 & annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t conta9s-- 7#a7 an assessm5t ( ! progress ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 meet+ ! goals & objectives specifi$ 9 subsection 7a72 7#b7 a description ( any action to be tak5 by ! ,dep>tm5t if ^? goals & objectives are n be+ met2 7#c7 a description ( any *anges to ^? goals & objectives2 7#d7 an id5tification ( any new programs or p>tn]%ips t h result$ f ! implem5tation ( ! ,national ,/rategy = ,prev5t+ ,vet]an ,suicide1 #bjah-bjbh2 7#e7 an assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( ! ,national ,/rategy = ,prev5t+ ,vet]ans ,suicide1 #bjah-bjbh at r$uc+ vet]an suicide2 & 7#f7 su* o!r topics z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y4 #bje4 ,/udy on feasibility & advisability ( provid+ c]ta9 complem5t>y & integrative heal? s]vices 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all complete a /udy on ! feasibility & advisability ( provid+ complem5t>y & integrative heal? treatm5ts describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 at all facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,treatm5ts describ$ ,complem5t>y & integrative heal? treatm5ts describ$ 9 ?is subsection %all consi/ ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,yoga4 7#b7 ,m$itation4 7#c7 ,acupuncture4 7#d7 ,*iropractic c>e4 7#e7 ,o!r treatm5ts t %[ suffici5t evid5ce ( efficacy at treat+ m5tal or physical heal? conditions1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7c7 ,provision ( treatm5t ,! ,secret>y may provide complem5t>y & integrative heal? treatm5ts "u ?is section at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 p]son or by teleheal?4 7d7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! completion ( ! /udy "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on su* /udy1 includ+-- 7#a7 ! results ( su* /udy2 & 7#b7 su* recomm5dations reg>d+ ! furni%+ ( complem5t>y & integrative heal? treatm5ts describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 #bjf4 ,program to provide vet]ans access to complem5t>y & integrative heal? s]vices ?r\gh animal !rapy1 agri-!rapy1 & outdoor sports !rapy 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all comm5ce ! conduct ( a program to provide complem5t>y & integrative heal? s]vices describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 to vet]ans f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs or ?r\gh ! use ( non-,dep>tm5t entities = ! treatm5t ( po/-traumatic /ress disord]1 depression1 anxiety1 or o!r conditions z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7b7 ,treatm5ts describ$ ,complem5t>y & integrative heal? treatm5ts describ$ 9 ?is subsection %all consi/ ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,equ9e !rapy4 7#b7 ,o!r animal !rapy4 7#c7 ,agri-!rapy4 7#d7 ,outdoor sports !rapy4 7c7 ,eligible vet]ans ,a vet]an is eligible to p>ticipate 9 ! program "u ?is section if ! vet]an-- 7#a7 is enroll$ 9 ! sy/em ( pati5t enrollm5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t e/abli%$ & op]at$ "u section #agje7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 & 7#b7 has receiv$ heal? c>e "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! initial p>ticipation ( ! vet]an 9 ! program4 7d7 ,duration 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program "u ?is section = a two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7#b7 ,ext5sion ,! ,secret>y may ext5d ! duration ( ! program "u ?is section if ! ,secret>y1 bas$ on ! results ( ! int]im report submitt$ "u subsection 7e77#a71 det]m9es t x is appropriate to d s4 7e7 ,locations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all select n few] ?an five facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t at :i* to c>ry out ! program "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,selection crit]ia ,9 select+ facilities "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t-- 7,a7 ! locations are 9 geographically div]se areas2 & 7,b7 n few] ?an ?ree facilities s]ve vet]ans 9 rural or highly rural areas 7z det]m9$ ?r\gh ! use ( ! ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture74 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,int]im report 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! comm5cem5t ( ! program "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! progress ( ! program4 7,b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! numb] ( p>ticipants 9 ! program4 7ii7 ,! types ( !rapy (f]$ at ea* facility at :i* ! program is be+ c>ri$ out4 7iii7 ,an assessm5t ( :e!r p>ticipation by a vet]an 9 ! program result$ 9 any *anges 9 cl9ically relevant endpo9ts = ! vet]an ) respect to ! conditions specifi$ 9 subsection 7a74 7iv7 ,an assessm5t ( ! quality ( life ( vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ! program1 includ+ ! results ( a satisfaction survey ( ! p>ticipants 9 ! program1 disaggregat$ by treatm5t "u subsection 7b74 7v7 ,! det]m9ation ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ext5d+ ! program "u subsection 7c77#b74 7vi7 ,any recomm5dations ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to exp&+ ! program4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! t]m9ation ( ! program "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a f9al report on ! program4 #bjg4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on managem5t by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( vet]ans at high risk = suicide 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! ef=ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to manage vet]ans at high risk = suicide4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,a description ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t id5tifies pati5ts z high risk = suicide1 ) p>ticul> consid]ation to ! efficacy ( inputs into ! ,recov]y ,engagem5t & ,coord9ation = ,heal? - ,vet]ans ,enhanc$ ,treatm5t program 7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,,rea* ,,vet program7 ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ an assessm5t ( ! efficacy ( su* id5tifications disaggregat$ by age1 g5d]1 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network1 &1 to ! ext5t practicable1 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,a description ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t int]v5es :5 a pati5t is id5tifi$ z high risk1 includ+ an assessm5t ( ! efficacy ( su* int]v5tions disaggregat$ by age1 g5d]1 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network1 &1 to ! ext5t practicable1 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,a description ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t monitors pati5ts :o h be5 id5tifi$ z high risk1 includ+ an assessm5t ( ! efficacy ( su* monitor+ & any foll[-ups disaggregat$ by age1 g5d]1 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network1 &1 to ! ext5t practicable1 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#d7 ,a review ( /aff+ levels ( suicide prev5tion coord9ators across ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7#e7 ,a review ( ! res\rces & programm+ (f]$ to family memb]s & fri5ds ( vet]ans :o h a m5tal heal? condition 9 ord] to assi/ t vet]an 9 treatm5t & recov]y4 7#f7 ,an assessm5t ( su* o!r areas z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate to /udy4 ,,iii ,programs1 /udies1 & guidel9es on m5tal heal? #cja4 ,program to provide vet]ans access to comput]iz$ cognitive behavioral !rapy 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #baj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all comm5ce ! conduct ( a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( us+ comput]iz$ cognitive behavioral !rapy to treat eligible vet]ans suff]+ f depression1 anxiety1 po/-traumatic /ress disord]1 milit>y sexual trauma1 or sub/ance use disord] :o are already receiv+ evid5ce-bas$ !rapy f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,eligible vet]ans ,a vet]an is eligible to p>ticipate 9 ! program "u ?is section if ! vet]an-- 7#a7 is enroll$ 9 ! sy/em ( pati5t enrollm5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs e/abli%$ & op]at$ "u section #agje7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 & 7#b7 has receiv$ heal? c>e "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! initial p>ticipation ( ! vet]an 9 ! program4 7c7 ,duration ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program "u ?is section = a two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7d7 ,locations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all select n few] ?an ?ree facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs at :i* to c>ry out ! program "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,selection crit]ia ,9 select+ facilities "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t-- 7,a7 ! locations are 9 geographically div]se areas2 & 7,b7 n few] ?an two facilities s]ve vet]ans 9 rural or highly rural areas 7z det]m9$ ?r\gh ! use ( ! ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture74 7e7 ,access to *at ,9 c>ry+ out ! program "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ! program h access via *at to a m5tal heal? provid] #bd h\rs p] day1 sev5 days p] week4 7f7 ,promotion ( ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e ,! ,secret>y %all promote ! availability ( ! ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e to vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ! program "u ?is section4 7g7 ,dep>tm5t website ,9 implem5t+ ! program "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y1 to ! ext5t feasible1 %all use a website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to ho/ ! program4 7h7 ,reports 7#a7 ,int]im report 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! comm5cem5t ( ! program "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! progress ( ! program4 7,b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! numb] ( p>ticipants 9 ! program4 7ii7 ,an assessm5t ( :e!r p>ticipation by a vet]an 9 ! program result$ 9 any *anges 9 cl9ically relevant endpo9ts = ! vet]an ) respect to ! conditions specifi$ 9 subsection 7a74 7iii7 ,any recomm5dations ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ext5d+ or exp&+ ! program4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! t]m9ation ( ! program "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a f9al report on ! program4 7i7 ,vet]ans crisis l9e def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e means ! toll-free hotl9e = vet]ans e/abli%$ "u section #agbj;,f7h7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #cjb4 ,/udy on connection betwe5 liv+ at high altitude & suicide risk factors among vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ,rural ,heal? ,res\rce ,c5t]s ( ! ,(fice ( ,rural ,heal? ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all comm5ce ! conduct ( a /udy on ! connection betwe5 liv+ at high altitude & ! risk ( develop+ depression or dy+ by suicide among vet]ans4 7b7 ,completion ( /udy ,! /udy conduct$ "u subsection 7a7 %all be complet$ n lat] ?an ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! /udy4 7c7 ,individual impact ,! /udy conduct$ "u subsection 7a7 %all be conduct$ s z to det]m9e ! effect ( high altitude on suicide risk at ! individual level1 n at ! ,/ate or c\nty level4 7d7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #aej days aft] ! completion ( ! /udy conduct$ "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! results ( ! /udy4 7e7 ,foll[-,up /udy 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es ?r\gh ! /udy conduct$ "u subsection 7a7 t liv+ at high altitude is a risk factor = develop+ depression or dy+ by suicide1 ! ,secret>y %all conduct an additional /udy to id5tify ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! mo/ likely biological me*anism t makes liv+ at high altitude a risk factor = develop+ depression or dy+ by suicide4 7,b7 ,! mo/ effective treatm5t or int]v5tion = r$uc+ ! risk ( develop+ depression or dy+ by suicide associat$ ) liv+ at high altitude4 7#b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #aej days aft] complet+ ! /udy conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! results ( ! /udy4 #cjc4 ,e/abli%m5t by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se ( cl9ical practice guidel9es = comorbid m5tal heal? conditions 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se & ! ,secret>y ( ,heal? & ,human ,s]vices1 %all complete ! developm5t ( cl9ical practice guidel9es = ! treatm5t ( po/-traumatic /ress disord]1 milit>y sexual trauma1 & traumatic bra9 injury t is comorbid ) sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa94 7b7 ,"w gr\p 7#a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,9 c>ry+ out subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 & ! ,secret>y ( ,heal? & ,human ,s]vices %all create a ,trauma & ,comorbid ,sub/ance ,use ,disord] or ,*ronic ,pa9 ,"w ,gr\p 79 ?is section ref]r$ to z ! ,"w ,gr\p74 7#b7 ,memb]%ip ,! "w gr\p creat$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be compris$ ( individuals t repres5t ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t entities & non-,f$]al ,gov]nm5t entities ) exp]tise 9 ! areas cov]$ by ! "w gr\p1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,academic in/itutions t specialize 9 rese>* = ! treatm5t ( conditions describ$ 9 subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,! ,national ,c5t] = ,po/traumatic ,/ress ,disord] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7,c7 ,! ,(fice ( ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,m5tal ,heal? & ,sub/ance ,use ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,heal? & ,human ,s]vices4 7#c7 ,relation to o!r "w gr\ps ,! ,"w ,gr\p %all be creat$ & conduct$ 9 ! same mann] z o!r "w gr\ps = ! developm5t ( cl9ical practice guidel9es = ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 7c7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 develop+ ! cl9ical practice guidel9es "u subsection 7a71 ! ,"w ,gr\p1 9 consultation ) ! ,po/ ,traumatic ,/ress ,disord] ,"w ,gr\p1 ,concussion-m,t,b,i ,"w ,gr\p1 ,opioid ,!rapy = ,*ronic ,pa9 ,"w ,gr\p1 & ,sub/ance ,use ,"w ,gr\p1 %all ensure t ! cl9ical practice guidel9es include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,guidance ) respect to ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! treatm5t ( pati5ts ) po/-traumatic /ress disord] :o are also exp]i5c+ a sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa94 7,b7 ,! treatm5t ( pati5ts exp]i5c+ a m5tal heal? condition1 includ+ anxiety1 depression1 or po/-traumatic /ress disord] z a result ( milit>y sexual trauma :o are also exp]i5c+ a sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa94 7,c7 ,! treatm5t ( pati5ts ) traumatic bra9 injury :o are also exp]i5c+ a sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa94 7#b7 ,guidance ) respect to ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,appropriate case managem5t = pati5ts exp]i5c+ po/-traumatic /ress disord] t is comorbid ) sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa9 :o transition f receiv+ c>e :ile on active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to c>e f heal? c>e networks outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 7,b7 ,appropriate case managem5t = pati5ts exp]i5c+ a m5tal heal? condition1 includ+ anxiety1 depression1 or po/-traumatic /ress disord] z a result ( milit>y sexual trauma t is comorbid ) sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa9 :o transition f receiv+ c>e :ile on active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to c>e f heal? c>e networks outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 7,c7 ,appropriate case managem5t = pati5ts exp]i5c+ traumatic bra9 injury t is comorbid ) sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa9 :o transition f receiv+ c>e :ile on active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to c>e f heal? c>e networks outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 7#c7 ,guidance ) respect to ! treatm5t ( pati5ts :o are /ill memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & are exp]i5c+ a m5tal heal? condition1 includ+ anxiety1 depression1 or po/-traumatic /ress disord] z a result ( milit>y sexual trauma t is comorbid ) sub/ance use disord] or *ronic pa94 7#d7 ,guidance ) respect to ! assessm5t by ! ,national ,academies ( ,sci5ces1 ,eng9e]+1 & ,m$ic9e ( ! pot5tial ov]m$ication ( vet]ans1 z requir$ pursuant to ! ,s5ate report accompany+ ,s4 #aeeg1 #aae? ,congress 7,s5ate ,report #aae-acj71 "u ! head+ ,ov]prescription ,prev5tion ,report "u ! head+ ,,committee ,,recomm5dation4 7d7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to prev5t ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se f consid]+ all relevant evid5ce1 z appropriate1 9 creat+ ! cl9ical practice guidel9es requir$ "u subsection 7a7 or f ensur+ t ! f9al cl9ical practice guidel9es develop$ "u su* subsection & subsequ5tly updat$1 z appropriate1 rema9 applicable to ! pati5t populations ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 #cjd4 ,update ( cl9ical practice guidel9es = assessm5t & managem5t ( pati5ts at risk = suicide 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 ?r\gh ! ,assessm5t & ,managem5t ( ,pati5ts at ,risk = ,suicide ,"w ,gr\p 79 ?is section ref]r$ to z ! ,"w ,gr\p71 %all issue an update to ! ,,va_/,,dod ,cl9ical ,practice ,guidel9e = ,assessm5t & ,managem5t ( ,pati5ts at ,risk = ,suicide4 7b7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 c>ry+ out ! update "u subsection 7a71 ! ,"w ,gr\p %all ensure t ! cl9ical practice guidel9es updat$ "u su* subsection includes ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,enhanc$ guidance ) respect to ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,g5d]-specific risk factors = suicide & suicidal ideation4 7,b7 ,g5d]-specific treatm5t efficacy = depression & suicide prev5tion4 7,c7 ,g5d]-specific ph>maco!rapy efficacy4 7,d7 ,g5d]-specific psy*o!rapy efficacy4 7#b7 ,guidance ) respect to ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! efficacy ( alt]native !rapies1 o!r ?an psy*o!rapy & ph>maco!rapy1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7i7 ,yoga !rapy4 7ii7 ,m$itation !rapy4 7iii7 ,equ9e !rapy4 7iv7 ,o!r animal !rapy4 7v7 ,tra9+ & c>+ = s]vice dogs4 7vi7 ,agri-!rapy4 7vii7 ,art !rapy4 7viii7 ,outdoor sports !rapy4 7ix7 ,music !rapy4 7x7 ,any o!r alt]native !rapy t ! ,"w ,gr\p consid]s appropriate4 7#c7 ,guidance ) respect to ! f9d+s ( ! ,creat+ ,options = ,vet]ans' ,exp$it$ ,recov]y ,commission 7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,,cov] ,commission7 e/abli%$ "u section #ica ( ! ,jason ,simcakoski ,memorial & ,promise ,act 7title ,,ix ( ,public ,law #aad-aih2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note74 7c7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to prev5t ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se f consid]+ all relevant evid5ce1 z appropriate1 9 updat+ ! ,,va_/,,dod ,cl9ical ,practice ,guidel9e = ,assessm5t & ,managem5t ( ,pati5ts at ,risk = ,suicide1 z requir$ "u subsection 7a71 or f ensur+ t ! f9al cl9ical practice guidel9es updat$ "u su* subsection rema9 applicable to ! pati5t populations ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 #cje4 ,precision m$ic9e initiative ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to id5tify & validate bra9 & m5tal heal? biom>k]s 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,beg9n+ n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all develop & implem5t an initiative ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to id5tify & validate bra9 & m5tal heal? biom>k]s among vet]ans1 ) specific consid]ation = depression1 anxiety1 po/-traumatic /ress disord]1 traumatic bra9 injury1 & su* o!r m5tal heal? conditions z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 ,su* initiative may be ref]r$ to z ! ,precision ,m$ic9e = ,vet]ans ,initiative4 7b7 ,model ( initiative ,! initiative "u subsection 7a7 %all be model$ on ! ,all ( ,u ,precision ,m$ic9e ,initiative adm9i/]$ by ! ,national ,in/itutes ( ,heal? ) respect to l>ge-scale collection ( /&>diz$ data & op5 data %>+4 7c7 ,use ( data 7#a7 ,privacy & security ,9 c>ry+ out ! initiative "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all develop robu/ data privacy & security measures to ensure t in=mation ( vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ! initiative is kept private & secure4 7#b7 ,op5 plat=m 7,a7 ,rese>* purposes ,! ,secret>y %all make de-id5tifi$ data collect$ "u ! initiative available = rese>* purposes bo? )9 & outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7,b7 ,data may n be sold ,data collect$ "u ! initiative may n be sold4 7#c7 ,/&>dization 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t data collect$ "u ! initiative is /&>diz$4 7,b7 ,consultation ,! ,secret>y %all consult ) ! ,national ,in/itutes ( ,heal? & ! ,food & ,drug ,adm9i/ration to det]m9e ! mo/ effective1 effici5t1 & co/-effective way ( /&>diz+ data collect$ "u ! initiative4 7,c7 ,mann] ( /&>dization ,data collect$ "u ! initiative %all be /&>diz$ 9 ! mann] 9 :i* x is collect$1 ent]$ into ! database1 extract$1 & record$4 7#d7 ,measures ( bra9 function or /ructure ,any measures ( bra9 function or /ructure collect$ "u ! initiative %all be collect$ ) a device t is approv$ by ! ,food & ,drug ,adm9i/ration4 7d7 ,inclusion ( initiative 9 program ,! ,secret>y %all assess ! feasibility & advisability ( coord9at+ ef=ts ( ! initiative "u subsection 7a7 ) ! ,million ,vet]ans ,program ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 #cjf4 ,prev5tative & complex data analysis by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #aai4 ,contract+ = prev5tative or complex /ati/ical analysis ,9 ord] to c>ry out /ati/ical analysis requir$ "u section #cjb ( ! ,comm&] ,john ,scott ,hannon ,vet]ans ,m5tal ,heal? ,c>e ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjai1 or any o!r prev5tative or complex /ati/ical analysis requir$ "u ?is title or any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may contract ) academic in/itutions or o!r qualifi$ entities1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y1 to c>ry out ! /ati/ical analysis4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #a ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #aah ! foll[+ new item3 #aai4 ,contract+ = prev5tative or complex /ati/ical analysis4 4 ,,iv ,ov]sight ( m5tal heal? c>e & relat$ s]vices #dja4 ,/udy on effectiv5ess ( suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* programs ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ent] into an agreem5t ) a non-,f$]al ,gov]nm5t entity to conduct a /udy on ! effectiv5ess ( ! suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* mat]ials prep>$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* campaigns conduct$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7b7 ,use ( focus gr\ps 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all conv5e n few] ?an eight diff]5t focus gr\ps to evaluate ! effectiv5ess ( ! suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? mat]ials & campaigns z requir$ "u subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,location ( focus gr\ps ,focus gr\ps conv5$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be held 9 geographically div]se areas z foll[s3 7,a7 ,n few] ?an two 9 rural or highly rural areas4 7,b7 ,n few] ?an "o 9 ea* ( ! f\r di/ricts ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration4 7#c7 ,tim+ ( focus gr\ps ,focus gr\ps conv5$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be held at a v>iety ( dates & times to ensure an adequate repres5tation ( vet]ans ) diff]5t "w s*$ules4 7#d7 ,numb] ( p>ticipants ,ea* focus gr\p conv5$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include n few] ?an five & n m ?an #ab p>ticipants4 7#e7 ,repres5tation ,ea* focus gr\p conv5$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all1 to ! ext5t practicable1 include vet]ans ( div]se backgr\nds1 includ+-- 7,a7 vet]ans ( all eras1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y2 7,b7 wom5 vet]ans2 7,c7 m9ority vet]ans2 7,d7 ,native ,am]ican vet]ans1 z def9$ 9 section #cgfe ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 7,e7 vet]ans :o id5tify z lesbian1 gay1 bisexual1 transg5d]1 or que] 7commonly ref]r$ to z ,,lgbtq72 7,f7 vet]ans :o live 9 rural or highly rural areas2 & 7,g7 individuals transition+ f active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to civilian life4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! la/ focus gr\p meet+ "u subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! f9d+s ( ! focus gr\ps4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,bas$ on ! f9d+s ( ! focus gr\ps1 an assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( curr5t suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* ef=ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 rea*+ vet]ans z a :ole z well z specific gr\ps ( vet]ans 7= example1 wom5 vet]ans74 7,b7 ,bas$ on ! f9d+s ( ! focus gr\ps1 recomm5dations = future suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* ef=ts by ! ,dep>tm5t to t>get specific gr\ps ( vet]ans4 7,c7 ,a plan to *ange ! curr5t approa* by ! ,dep>tm5t to suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* or1 if ! ,secret>y decides n to *ange ! curr5t approa*1 an explanation ( ! reason = ma9ta9+ ! curr5t approa*4 7,d7 ,su* o!r issues z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y4 7d7 ,repres5tative survey 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! la/ focus gr\p meet+ "u subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all complete a repres5tative survey ( ! vet]an population t is in=m$ by ! focus gr\p data 9 ord] to collect in=mation ab\t ! effectiv5ess ( ! m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion outrea* campaigns conduct$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,vet]ans survey$ 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,vet]ans survey$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include vet]ans describ$ 9 subsection 7b77#e74 7,b7 ,disaggregation ( data ,data ( vet]ans survey$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be disaggregat$ by-- 7i7 vet]ans :o h receiv$ c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! survey2 & 7ii7 vet]ans :o h n receiv$ c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! survey4 7e7 ,treatm5t ( contracts = suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* m$ia 7#a7 ,focus gr\ps 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all include 9 ea* contract to develop m$ia relat+ to suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea* a requirem5t t ! contractor conv5e focus gr\ps ( vet]ans to assess ! effectiv5ess ( suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? outrea*4 7,b7 ,repres5tation ,ea* focus gr\p requir$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all1 to ! ext5t practicable1 include vet]ans ( div]se backgr\nds1 includ+-- 7i7 vet]ans ( all eras1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y2 7ii7 wom5 vet]ans2 7iii7 m9ority vet]ans2 7iv7 ,native ,am]ican vet]ans1 z def9$ 9 section #cgfe ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 7v7 vet]ans :o id5tify z lesbian1 gay1 bisexual1 transg5d]1 or que] 7commonly ref]r$ to z ,,lgbtq72 7vi7 vet]ans :o live 9 rural or highly rural areas2 & 7vii7 individuals transition+ f active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces to civilian life4 7#b7 ,subcontract+ 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all include 9 ea* contract describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 a requirem5t t1 if ! contractor subcontracts = ! developm5t ( m$ia1 ! contractor %all subcontract ) a subcontractor t has exp]i5ce creat+ impactful m$ia campaigns t t>get individuals age #ah to #cd4 7,b7 ,budget limitation ,n m ?an two p]c5t ( ! budget ( ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ( ! ,dep>tm5t = contractors = suicide prev5tion & m5tal heal? m$ia outrea* %all g to subcontractors describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a74 7f7 ,rural & highly rural def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ) respect to an area1 ! t]ms rural & highly rural h ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms 9 ! ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture4 #djb4 ,ov]sight ( m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* conduct$ by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ( goals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all e/abli% goals = ! m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* campaigns ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 rais+ aw>5ess ab\t m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion4 7#b7 ,use ( metrics 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! goals e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be measur$ by metrics specific to diff]5t m$ia types z foll[s3 7i7 ,metrics relat+ to social m$ia %all include ! foll[+3 7,i7 ,impressions4 7,,ii7 ,rea*4 7,,iii7 ,engagem5t rate4 7,,iv7 ,su* o!r metrics z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y4 7ii7 ,metrics relat+ to television %all include ! foll[+3 7,i7 ,niels5 rat+s4 7,,ii7 ,su* o!r metrics z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y4 7iii7 ,metrics relat+ to email %all include ! foll[+3 7,i7 ,op5 rate4 7,,ii7 ,response rate 7,,iii7 ,click rate4 7,,iv7 ,su* o!r metrics z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y4 7,b7 ,update ,! ,secret>y %all p]iodically update ! metrics "u subp>agraph 7,a7 z m accurate metrics become available4 7#c7 ,t>gets ,! ,secret>y %all develop t>gets to track ! metrics us$ "u p>agraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,consultation ,9 e/abli%+ goals "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all consult ) ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,relevant /akehold]s1 su* z organizations t repres5t vet]ans1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7,b7 ,m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion exp]ts4 7,c7 ,su* o!r p]sons z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#e7 ,initial report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report detail+ ! goals e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 = ! m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* campaigns ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 rais+ aw>5ess ab\t m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion1 includ+ ! metrics & t>gets = su* metrics by :i* ^? goals are to be measur$ "u p>agraph 7#b74 7#f7 ,annual report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! submittal ( ! report "u p>agraph 7#c71 & annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report detail+-- 7,a7 ! progress ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 meet+ ! goals e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 & t>gets develop$ "u p>agraph 7#c72 & 7,b7 a description ( action to be tak5 by ! ,dep>tm5t to modify m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* campaigns if ^? goals & t>gets are n be+ met4 7b7 ,e/abli%m5t ( ov]sight process 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all e/abli% a process to ov]see ! m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* campaigns ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,compon5ts ( ov]sight process ,! process e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+ compon5ts3 7,a7 ,a del9eation ( ! roles & responsibilities ( all suicide prev5tion (ficials )9 ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7,b7 ,a s*$ule = creat+1 approv+1 implem5t+1 & evaluat+ all unpaid m$ia & paid m$ia cont5t relat+ to m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion4 7,c7 ,l9es ( report+1 z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y1 to report to managem5t in=mation relat+ to ! m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion m$ia outrea* campaigns ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,contract requirem5ts ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ea* contract into :i* ! ,secret>y ent]s to develop m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion outrea* m$ia includes requirem5ts t ! contractor-- 7#a7 track metrics us$ by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a77#b72 & 7#b7 n less frequ5tly ?an qu>t]ly1 report su* metrics to ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7d7 ,report on use ( funds by ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & semiannually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,appropriations & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,appropriations & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report conta9+ ! exp5ditures & obligations ( ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration dur+ ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report4 #djc4 ,annual report on progress ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 meet+ goals & objectives ( ,executive ,ord] #achbb 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se & ! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security1 %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t conta9s ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! progress ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,homel& ,security 9 meet+ ! goals & objectives outl9$ 9 ! report requir$ "u section #b7;c7 ( ,executive ,ord] #achbb 7#hc ,f$4 ,reg4 #aeac2 relat+ to support+ our vet]ans dur+ _! transition f uni=m$ s]vice to civilian life7 ) respect to ! implem5tation by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( ! ,jo9t ,action ,plan requir$ "u section #b7;b7 ( su* ,executive ord]4 7#b7 ,a description ( action to be tak5 by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,homel& ,security if ^? goals & objectives are n be+ met4 7#c7 ,an assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( ,executive ,ord] #achbb at improv+ ! transition process = memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & vet]ans4 7#d7 ,su* o!r topics z ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 or ! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security consid] necess>y4 7b7 ,submittal by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit ea* report requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 ) respect to ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs reg>dless ( :e!r ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se or ! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security provides any in=mation = ! report4 #djd4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al managem5t review ( m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion s]vices ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a managem5t review ( ! m5tal heal? & suicide prev5tion s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! managem5t review requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! infra/ructure "u ! control ( or available to ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs or available to ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = suicide prev5tion ef=ts n op]at$ by ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion4 7#b7 ,a description ( ! managem5t & organizational /ructure ( ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion1 includ+ roles & responsibilities = ea* position4 7#c7 ,a description ( ! op]ational policies & processes ( ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion4 7#d7 ,an assessm5t ( suicide prev5tion practices & initiatives available f ! ,dep>tm5t & ?r\gh community p>tn]%ips4 7#e7 ,an assessm5t ( ! /aff+ levels at ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion1 dissaggregat$ by type ( position1 & includ+ ! location ( any /aff+ defici5cies4 7#f7 ,an assessm5t ( ! ,nurse ,advice ,l9e pilot program conduct$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#g7 ,an assessm5t ( recruitm5t initiatives 9 rural areas = m5tal heal? pr(essionals ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#h7 ,an assessm5t ( /rategic plann+ conduct$ by ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion4 7#i7 ,an assessm5t ( ! communication1 & ! effectiv5ess ( su* communication-- 7,a7 )9 ! c5tral (fice ( ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion2 7,b7 betwe5 t c5tral (fice & any /aff memb] or (fice 9 ! field1 includ+ *apla9s1 attorneys1 law en=cem5t p]sonnel1 & volunte]s2 & 7,c7 betwe5 t c5tral (fice1 local facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & community p>tn]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ fir/ respond]s1 community support gr\ps1 & heal? c>e indu/ry p>tn]s4 7#aj7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ effectively ! ,(fice ( ,m5tal ,heal? & ,suicide ,prev5tion implem5ts op]ational policies & proc$ures4 7#aa7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se coord9ate suicide prev5tion ef=ts1 & recomm5dations on h[ ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se c m effectively coord9ate ^? ef=ts4 7#ab7 ,an assessm5t ( su* o!r areas z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate to /udy4 #dje4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on ef=ts ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to integrate m5tal heal? c>e into prim>y c>e cl9ics 7a7 ,initial ,report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! ef=ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to integrate m5tal heal? c>e into prim>y c>e cl9ics ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! ef=ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t to integrate m5tal heal? c>e into prim>y c>e cl9ics ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( su* ef=ts4 7,c7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ ! heal? c>e ( vet]ans is impact$ by su* integration4 7,d7 ,a description ( h[ c>e is coord9at$ by ! ,dep>tm5t betwe5 specialty m5tal heal? c>e & prim>y c>e1 includ+ a description ( ! foll[+3 7i7 ,h[ docum5ts & pati5t in=mation are transf]r$ & ! effectiv5ess ( ^? transf]s4 7ii7 ,h[ c>e is coord9at$ :5 vet]ans mu/ travel to diff]5t facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7iii7 ,h[ a vet]an is re9tegrat$ into prim>y c>e aft] receiv+ 9-pati5t m5tal heal? c>e4 7,e7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ ! integration ( m5tal heal? c>e into prim>y c>e cl9ics is implem5t$ at diff]5t types ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,f7 ,su* recomm5dations on h[ ! ,dep>tm5t c bett] integrate m5tal heal? c>e into prim>y c>e cl9ics z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate4 7,g7 ,an assessm5t ( su* o!r areas z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate to /udy4 7b7 ,community c>e integration report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date on :i* ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al submits ! report requir$ "u subsection 7a77#a71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! ef=ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t to integrate community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e into ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! ef=ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t to integrate community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e into ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( su* ef=ts4 7,c7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ ! heal? c>e ( vet]ans is impact$ by su* integration4 7,d7 ,a description ( h[ c>e is coord9at$ betwe5 provid]s ( community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e & ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ a description ( h[ docum5ts & pati5t in=mation are transf]r$ & ! effectiv5ess ( ^? transf]s betwe5-- 7i7 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration & provid]s ( community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e2 & 7ii7 provid]s ( community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e & ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7,e7 ,an assessm5t ( any disp>ities 9 ! coord9ation ( community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e into ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration by location & type ( facility4 7,f7 ,an assessm5t ( ! milit>y cultural compet5cy ( heal? c>e provid]s provid+ community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e to vet]ans4 7,g7 ,su* recomm5dations on h[ ! ,dep>tm5t c bett] integrate community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e into ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate4 7,h7 ,an assessm5t ( su* o!r areas z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate to /udy4 7#c7 ,community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e def9$ ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m community-bas$ m5tal heal? c>e means m5tal heal? c>e paid = by ! ,dep>tm5t b provid$ by a non-,dep>tm5t heal? c>e provid] at a non-,dep>tm5t facility1 includ+ c>e furni%$ "u section #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7z 9 effect on ! date specifi$ 9 section #aja7;b7 ( ! ,c>+ = ,our ,vet]ans ,act ( #bjah 7title ,i ( ,public ,law #aae-ahb774 #djf4 ,jo9t m5tal heal? programs by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se 7a7 ,report on m5tal heal? programs 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se %all submit to ! ,committee on ,arm$ ,s]vices & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,arm$ ,s]vices & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on m5tal heal? programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se & jo9t programs ( ! ,dep>tm5ts4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a description ( m5tal heal? programs op]at$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7i7 ,transition assi/ance programs4 7ii7 ,cl9ical m5tal heal? initiatives1 includ+-- 7,i7 ! ,million ,vet]ans ,program2 & 7,,ii7 c5t]s ( excell5ce ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = traumatic bra9 injury & po/-traumatic /ress disord]4 7iii7 ,programs t may second>ily improve m5tal heal?1 includ+ employm5t1 h\s+ assi/ance1 & f9ancial lit]acy programs4 7iv7 ,rese>* into m5tal heal? issues & conditions4 7,b7 ,a description ( m5tal heal? programs op]at$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7i7 ,transition assi/ance programs4 7ii7 ,cl9ical m5tal heal? initiatives1 includ+ ! ,national ,intrepid ,c5t] ( ,excell5ce4 7iii7 ,programs t may second>ily improve m5tal heal?1 includ+ employm5t1 h\s+ assi/ance1 & f9ancial lit]acy programs4 7iv7 ,rese>* into m5tal heal? issues & conditions4 7,c7 ,a description ( m5tal heal? programs jo9tly op]at$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7i7 ,transition assi/ance programs4 7ii7 ,cl9ical m5tal heal? initiatives4 7iii7 ,programs t may second>ily improve m5tal heal?1 includ+ employm5t1 h\s+ assi/ance1 & f9ancial lit]acy programs4 7iv7 ,rese>* into m5tal heal? issues & conditions4 7,d7 ,recomm5dations = coord9at+ m5tal heal? programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se to improve ! effectiv5ess ( ^? programs4 7,e7 ,recomm5dations = novel jo9t programm+ ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se to improve ! m5tal heal? ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & vet]ans4 7b7 ,e/abli%m5t ( jo9t c5t] ( excell5ce 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all e/abli% a c5t] ( excell5ce to be kn[n z ! ,jo9t ,,dod_/,,va ,national ,intrepid ,c5t] ( ,excell5ce ,intrepid ,_s ,c5t] 79 ?is subsection ref]r$ to z ! ,c5t]74 7#b7 ,duties ,! ,c5t] %all conduct jo9t m5tal heal? programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 7#c7 ,location ,! ,c5t] %all be e/abli%$ 9 a location t-- 7,a7 is geographically di/ant f already exi/+ & plann$ ,intrepid ,_s ,c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se2 & 7,b7 is 9 a rural or highly rural area 7z det]m9$ ?r\gh ! use ( ! ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture74 ,v ,m$ical work=ce ,a ,improvem5t ( m5tal heal? m$ical work=ce #eja4 ,treatm5t ( psy*ologi/s 7a7 ,treatm5t z title #ch employees ,section #gdja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7 by ins]t+ psy*ologi/s1 aft] *iropractors12 & 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ psy*ologi/s14 7b7 ,inclusion 9 contracts = sc>ce m$ical speciali/ s]vices ,section #gdji7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ psy*ologi/s1 aft] *iropractors14 #ejb4 ,/aff+ improvem5t plan = psy*iatri/s & psy*ologi/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,/aff+ plan ,n lat] ?an #bgj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a plan to address /aff+ %ortages ( psy*iatri/s & psy*ologi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 includ+ fill+ any op5 positions4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! plan requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! numb] ( positions = psy*iatri/s & psy*ologi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t t ne$ to be fill$ to meet dem&1 disaggregat$ by ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network & m$ical c5t]4 7#b7 ,an id5tification ( ! /eps t ! ,secret>y w take 9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network to address su* %ortages1 include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a description ( any region-specific hir+ inc5tives to be us$ by ! ,secret>y 9 consultation ) ! directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks & m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,a description ( any local ret5tion or engagem5t inc5tives to be us$ by directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 7#c7 ,su* recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y to aid 9 address+ /aff+ %ortages ( psy*iatri/s & psy*ologi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 #ejc4 ,occupational s]ies & /aff+ improvem5t plan = lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,occupational s]ies ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t1 %all develop an occupational s]ies = lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,/aff+ plan 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #bgj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a plan to address /aff+ %ortages ( lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! plan requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( positions = lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t t ne$ to be fill$ to meet dem&1 disaggregat$ by ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network & m$ical c5t]4 7,b7 ,an id5tification ( ! /eps t ! ,secret>y w take 9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network to address su* %ortages1 include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,a description ( any region-specific hir+ inc5tives to be us$ by ! ,secret>y 9 consultation ) ! directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks & m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7ii7 ,a description ( any local ret5tion or engagem5t inc5tives to be us$ by directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 7,c7 ,su* recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 consid]s necess>y to aid 9 address+ /aff+ %ortages ( lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! submittal ( ! plan requir$ by subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report sett+ =? ! numb] ( lic5s$ pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselors & m>riage & family !rapi/s hir$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! submittal ( ! report1 disaggregat$ by ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network & m$ical c5t]4 #ejd4 ,/aff+ improvem5t plan = pe] speciali/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o are wom5 7a7 ,assessm5t ( capacity 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all comm5ce an assessm5t ( ! capacity ( pe] speciali/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o are wom54 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include an assessm5t ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! geographical di/ribution ( pe] speciali/s ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o are wom54 7,b7 ,! geographical di/ribution ( wom5 vet]ans4 7,c7 ,! numb] & proportion ( wom5 pe] speciali/s :o specialize 9 pe] c\nsel+ on m5tal heal? or suicide prev5tion4 7,d7 ,! numb] & proportion ( wom5 pe] speciali/s :o specialize 9 pe] c\nsel+ on non-m5tal heal? relat$ matt]s4 7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! assessm5t requir$ by subsection 7a7 has comm5c$1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report detail+ ! f9d+s ( ! assessm5t4 7c7 ,/aff+ improvem5t plan 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] submitt+ ! report "u subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al1 %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a plan1 bas$ on ! results ( ! assessm5t requir$ by subsection 7a71 to hire additional qualifi$ pe] speciali/s :o are wom51 ) special consid]ation = areas t lack pe] speciali/s :o are wom54 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! pe] speciali/ positions includ$ 9 ! plan requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 %all be non-volunte]1 paid positions2 & 7,b7 may be "p-"t positions4 #eje4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #gf ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] sub*apt] ,,viii ! foll[+ new sub*apt]3 ,,ix ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program #gfih4 ,requirem5t = program ,z "p ( ! ,educational ,assi/ance ,program1 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out a s*ol>%ip program "u ?is sub*apt]4 ,! program %all be kn[n z ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program 79 ?is sub*apt] ref]r$ to z ! ,program74 #gfii4 ,eligibility2 agreem5t 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,an individual is eligible to p>ticipate 9 ! ,program1 z det]m9$ by ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 if ! individual-- 7#a7 is accept$ = enrollm5t or enroll$ 7z describ$ 9 section #gfjb ( ?is title7 91 a program ( /udy at an accr$it$ educational in/itution1 s*ool1 or tra9+ program lead+ to-- 7,a7 a ba*elor's1 ma/]'s1 or doctoral degree 9 psy*ology1 social "w1 or m>riage & family !rapy2 or 7,b7 a ma/]'s degree 9 m5tal heal? c\nsel+2 & 7#b7 ent]s into an agreem5t ) ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7c74 7b7 ,priority ,9 select+ individuals to p>ticipate 9 ! ,program1 ! ,secret>y %all give priority to ! foll[+ individuals3 7#a7 ,an individual :o agrees to be employ$ by a ,vet ,c5t] locat$ 9 a community t is-- 7,a7 designat$ z a m$ically und]s]v$ population "u section #ccj7;b77#c7 ( ! ,public ,heal? ,s]vice ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bed;b7b77#c772 & 7,b7 9 a /ate ) a p] capita population ( vet]ans ( m ?an five p]c5t accord+ to ! ,national ,c5t] = ,vet]ans ,analysis & ,/ati/ics & ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus4 7#b7 ,an individual :o is a vet]an4 7c7 ,agreem5t ,an agreem5t betwe5 ! ,secret>y & a p>ticipant 9 ! ,program %all 79 addition to ! requirem5ts set =? 9 section #gfjd ( ?is title7 include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an agreem5t by ! ,secret>y to provide ! p>ticipant ) a s*ol>%ip "u ! ,program = a specifi$ numb] ( s*ool ye>s dur+ :i* ! p>ticipant pursues a program ( /udy describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a7 t meets ! requirem5ts set =? 9 section #gfjb7;a7 ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,an agreem5t by ! p>ticipant to s]ve z a full-"t employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t at a ,vet ,c5t] = a ?ree-ye> p]iod dur+ ! six-ye> p]iod foll[+ ! completion by ! p>ticipant ( su* program ( /udy 79 ?is sub*apt] ref]r$ to z ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice74 7d7 ,vet ,c5t] def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,vet ,c5t] has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #agab;,a7h7 ( ?is title4 #gfii;,a4 ,obligat$ s]vice 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,ea* p>ticipant 9 ! ,program %all provide s]vice z a full-"t employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t at a ,vet ,c5t] 7z def9$ 9 section #gfii7;c7 ( ?is title7 = ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice set =? 9 ! agreem5t ( ! p>ticipant ent]$ into "u section #gfjd ( ?is title4 7b7 ,det]m9ation ( s]vice comm5cem5t date 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #fj days be=e ! s]vice comm5cem5t date ( a p>ticipant1 ! ,secret>y %all notify ! p>ticipant ( t s]vice comm5cem5t date4 7#b7 ,! date specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 ) respect to a p>ticipant is ! date = ! beg9n+ ( ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice ( ! p>ticipant4 #gfii;,b4 ,brea* ( agreem5t3 liability 7a7 ,liquidat$ damages 7#a7 ,a p>ticipant 9 ! ,program 7o!r ?an a p>ticipant describ$ 9 subsection 7b77 :o fails to accept paym5t1 or in/ructs ! educational in/itution 9 :i* ! p>ticipant is enroll$ n to accept paym5t1 9 :ole or 9 "p1 ( a s*ol>%ip "u ! agreem5t ent]$ into "u section #gfjd ( ?is title %all be liable to ! ,unit$ ,/ates = liquidat$ damages 9 ! am\nt ( #a1ejj4 7#b7 ,liability "u p>agraph 7#a7 is 9 addition to any p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice or o!r obligation or liability "u su* agreem5t4 7b7 ,liability dur+ program ( /udy 7#a7 ,except z provid$ 9 subsection 7d71 a p>ticipant 9 ! ,program %all be liable to ! ,unit$ ,/ates = ! am\nt :i* has be5 paid to or on behalf ( ! p>ticipant "u ! agreem5t if any ( ! foll[+ occurs3 7,a7 ,! p>ticipant fails to ma9ta9 an acceptable level ( academic /&+ 9 ! educational in/itution 9 :i* ! p>ticipant is enroll$ 7z det]m9$ by ! educational in/itution "u regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y74 7,b7 ,! p>ticipant is dismiss$ f su* educational in/itution = discipl9>y reasons4 7,c7 ,! p>ticipant volunt>ily t]m9ates ! program ( /udy 9 su* educational in/itution be=e ! completion ( su* program ( /udy4 7#b7 ,liability "u ?is subsection is 9 lieu ( any s]vice obligation aris+ "u ! agreem5t4 7c7 ,liability dur+ p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice 7#a7 ,except z provid$ 9 subsection 7d71 if a p>ticipant 9 ! ,program does n complete ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice ( ! p>ticipant1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be entitl$ to recov] f ! p>ticipant an am\nt det]m9$ 9 accordance ) ! foll[+ =mula3 ,a #c7ts_/t74 7#b7 ,9 ! =mula 9 p>agraph 7#a73 7,a7 ,a is ! am\nt ! ,unit$ ,/ates is entitl$ to recov]4 7,b7 is ! sum (-- 7i7 ! am\nts paid "u ?is sub*apt] to or on behalf ( ! p>ticipant2 & 7ii7 ! int]e/ on su* am\nts :i* w\ld be payable if at ! "t ! am\nts 7 paid !y 7 loans be>+ int]e/ at ! maximum legal prevail+ rate1 z det]m9$ by ! ,treasur] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 7,c7 t is ! total numb] ( mon?s 9 ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice ( ! p>ticipant4 7,d7 s is ! numb] ( mon?s ( su* p]iod s]v$ by ! p>ticipant4 7d7 ,limitation on liability = r$uctions-9-,=ce ,liability %all n arise "u subsection 7c7 if ! p>ticipant fails to ma9ta9 employm5t z a ,dep>tm5t employee due to a /aff+ adju/m5t4 7e7 ,p]iod = paym5t ( damages ,any am\nt ( damages t ! ,unit$ ,/ates is entitl$ to recov] "u ?is section %all be paid to ! ,unit$ ,/ates )9 ! "o-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! brea* ( ! agreem5t4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ & te*nical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts 7,a7 ,e/abli%m5t ( program ,section #gfja7;a7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#e71 by /rik+ &2 7ii7 9 p>agraph 7#f71 by /rik+ ! p]iod & ins]t+ 2 &2 & 7iii7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#g7 ! readju/m5t c\nsel+ s]vice s*ol>%ip program provid$ = 9 sub*apt] ,,ix ( ?is *apt]4 4 7,b7 ,eligibility ,section #gfjb ( su* title is am5d$-- 7i7 9 subsection 7a77#a7-- 7,i7 by /rik+ or ,,vi & ins]t+ ,,vi1 or ,,ix2 & 7,,ii7 by /rik+ sub*apt] ,,vi & ins]t+ sub*apt] ,,vi or ,,ix2 & 7ii7 9 subsection 7b71 by /rik+ or ,,vi & ins]t+ ,,vi1 or ,,ix4 7,c7 ,application ,section #gfjc7;a77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ or ,,viii & ins]t+ ,,viii1 or ,,ix4 7,d7 ,t]ms ( agreem5t ,section #gfjd ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ or ,,viii ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,,viii1 or ,,ix4 7,e7 ,annual report ,section #gfcb ( su* title is am5d$-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ & ! ,specialty ,education ,loan ,repaym5t ,program & ins]t+ ! ,specialty ,education ,loan ,repaym5t ,program1 & ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program2 & 7ii7 9 p>agraph 7#d71 by /rik+ & p] p>ticipant 9 ! ,specialty ,education ,loan ,repaym5t ,program & ins]t+ p] p>ticipant 9 ! ,specialty ,education ,loan ,repaym5t ,program1 & p] p>ticipant 9 ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program4 7#b7 ,table ( sections ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #gf ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! items relat+ to sub*apt] ,,viii ! foll[+3 ,,sub*apt] ,,ix--,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ,s*ol>%ip ,program ,sec4 #gfih4 ,requirem5t = program4 #gfii4 ,eligibility2 agreem5t4 #gfii;,a4 ,obligat$ s]vice4 #gfii;,b4 ,brea* ( agreem5t3 liability4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all beg9 aw>d+ s*ol>%ips "u sub*apt] ,,ix ( *apt] #gf ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 = programs ( /udy beg9n+ n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ejf4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! adequacy & types ( treatm5t1 c\nsel+1 & o!r s]vices provid$ at ,vet ,c5t]s1 includ+ recomm5dations on :e!r & h[ su* treatm5t1 c\nsel+1 & o!r s]vices c be exp&$4 7#b7 ,an assessm5t ( ! efficacy ( outrea* ef=ts by ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice1 includ+ recomm5dations = h[ outrea* ef=ts c be improv$4 7#c7 ,an assessm5t ( b>ri]s to c>e at ,vet ,c5t]s1 includ+ recomm5dations = ov]com+ ^? b>ri]s4 7#d7 ,an assessm5t ( ! efficacy & frequ5cy ( ! use ( teleheal? by c\nselors ( ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice to provide m5tal heal? s]vices1 includ+ recomm5dations = h[ ! use ( teleheal? c be improv$4 7#e7 ,an assessm5t ( ! feasibility & advisability ( exp&+ eligibility = s]vices f ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice1 includ+-- 7,a7 recomm5dations on :at eligibility crit]ia c\ld be exp&$2 & 7,b7 an assessm5t ( pot5tial co/s & increas$ infra/ructure requirem5ts if eligibility is exp&$4 7#f7 ,an assessm5t ( ! use ( ,vet ,c5t]s by memb]s ( ! res]ve compon5ts ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o 7 nev] activat$ & recomm5dations on h[ to bett] rea* ^? memb]s4 7#g7 ,an assessm5t ( ! use ( ,vet ,c5t]s by eligible family memb]s ( =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & recomm5dations on h[ to bett] rea* ^? family memb]s4 7#h7 ,an assessm5t ( ! efficacy ( gr\p !rapy & ! level ( tra9+ ( provid]s at ,vet ,c5t]s 9 adm9i/]+ gr\p !rapy4 7c7 ,vet ,c5t] def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,vet ,c5t] has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #agab;,a7h7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #ejg4 ,expansion ( report+ requirem5ts on ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,expansion ( annual report ,p>agraph 7#b77;,c7 ( section #gcji7;e7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ be=e ! p]iod at ! end ! foll[+3 1 includ+ ! res\rces requir$ to meet su* unmet ne$1 su* z additional /aff1 additional locations1 additional infra/ructure1 infra/ructure improvem5ts1 & additional mobile ,vet ,c5t]s4 7b7 ,bi5nial report ,su* section is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,= ea* ev5 numb]$ ye> 9 :i* ! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 is submitt$1 ! ,secret>y %all include 9 su* report a pr$iction ( tr5ds 9 dem& = c>e1 long-t]m inve/m5ts requir$ ) respect to ! provision ( c>e1 ma9t5ance ( infra/ructure1 & o!r capital inve/m5ts ) respect to ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice1 includ+ ,vet ,c5t]s1 ,mobile ,vet ,c5t]s1 & community access po9ts4 4 #ejh4 ,/udies on alt]native "w s*$ules = employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 7a7 ,/udy ( vet]ans 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct a /udy on ! attitudes ( eligible vet]ans t[>d ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs (f]+ appo9tm5ts outside ! usual op]at+ h\rs ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ ?r\gh ! use ( teleheal? appo9tm5ts4 7#b7 ,eligible vet]an def9$ ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m eligible vet]an means a vet]an :o-- 7,a7 is enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t "u section #agje7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 & 7,b7 receiv$ heal? c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t at lea/ once dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod end+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! /udy "u p>agraph 7#a74 7b7 ,dep>tm5t /udy 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all conduct a /udy on ! feasibility & advisability ( (f]+ appo9tm5ts outside ! usual op]at+ h\rs ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,/udy ( employees ,! /udy requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include a /udy ( ! op9ions ( employees ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ cl9ical1 noncl9ical1 & support /aff1 ) respect to (f]+ appo9tm5ts outside ! usual op]at+ h\rs ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ ?r\gh ! use ( teleheal? appo9tm5ts4 #eji4 ,suicide prev5tion coord9ators ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ensure t ea* m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs is /aff$ ) n few] ?an "o suicide prev5tion coord9ator4 ,b ,direct hir+ au?orities = c]ta9 heal? c>e positions #eba4 ,direct hir+ au?orities = c]ta9 heal? c>e positions 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,subp>t ,i ( "p ,,iii ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #ajc ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs hir+ au?orities ,sec4#ajcja4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs p]sonnel au?orities4 #ajcja4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs p]sonnel au?orities 7a7 ,flexibilities relat+ to appo9tm5ts 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is section z ! ,secret>y7 %all promulgate regulations to r$esign ! proc$ures t are appli$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 mak+ appo9tm5ts to positions describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#c7 ( section #gdja ( title #ch 9 ord] to-- 7,a7 bett] meet mission ne$s2 7,b7 respond to manag]s' ne$s & ! ne$s ( applicants2 7,c7 produce high-quality applicants2 7,d7 support timely decisions2 & 7,e7 promote competitive job (f]s4 7#b7 ,waiv$ requirem5ts ,9 r$esign+ ! process by :i* ! appo9tm5ts describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all be made1 ! ,secret>y may waive ! requirem5ts ( *apt] #cc1 & ! regulations implem5t+ t *apt]1 to ! ext5t necess>y to a*ieve ! objectives ( ?is section1 :ile provid+ = ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,fair1 cr$ible1 & transp>5t me?ods ( e/abli%+ qualification requirem5ts =1 recruitm5t =1 & appo9tm5ts to positions4 7,b7 ,fair & op5 competition & equitable treatm5t 9 ! consid]ation & selection ( individuals to positions4 7,c7 ,fair1 cr$ible1 & transp>5t me?ods ( assign+1 reassign+1 detail+1 transf]r+1 or promot+ employees4 7#c7 ,implem5tation requirem5ts ,9 implem5t+ ?is subsection1 ! ,secret>y %all comply ) ! provisions ( section #bcjb7;b77#aa71 reg>d+ vet]ans' pref]5ce requirem5ts1 9 a mann] consi/5t ) t 9 :i* su* provisions are appli$ "u *apt] #cc4 7#d7 ,tra9+ program ,! ,secret>y %all develop a tra9+ program = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs human res\rce pr(essionals to implem5t ! requirem5ts ( ?is subsection4 7#e7 ,indicators ( effectiv5ess ,! ,secret>y %all develop indicators ( effectiv5ess to det]m9e :e!r appo9tm5t flexibilities "u ?is subsection h a*iev$ ! objectives describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7b7 ,crit]ia = use ( new p]sonnel au?orities ,9 ! r$esign ( appo9tm5t proc$ures1 z describ$ 9 subsection 7a71 & ) respect to ! sy/em ( appo9tm5t flexibilities e/abli%$ "u t subsection1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 include a means = ensur+ employee involvem5t 7= b>ga9+ unit employees1 ?r\gh _! exclusive repres5tatives7 9 t r$esign & 9 ! implem5tation ( t sy/em2 7#b7 provide = adequate tra9+ & retra9+ = sup]visors1 manag]s1 & employees 9 ! implem5tation & op]ation ( t r$esign & t sy/em2 7#c7 develop-- 7,a7 a compreh5sive managem5t succession program to provide tra9+ to employees to develop manag]s = ! ag5cy2 & 7,b7 a program to provide tra9+ to sup]visors on actions1 options1 & /rategies t a sup]visor may use 9 adm9i/]+ t sy/em2 7#d7 include effective transp>5cy & acc\ntability measures & safegu>ds to ensure t ! managem5t ( t sy/em is fair1 cr$ible1 & equitable1 includ+ appropriate indep5d5t reasonabl5ess reviews1 int]nal assessm5ts1 & employee surveys2 7#e7 provide m5tors to advise individuals on _! c>e] pa?s & opportunities to advance & excel )9 _! fields2 7#f7 develop appropriate proc$ures = w>n+s dur+ p]=mance evaluations = employees :o fail to meet p]=mance /&>ds2 7#g7 utilize ! quadr5nial /rategic plan requir$ "u section #gccj;,c7b7 ( title #ch2 & 7#h7 ensure t adequate ag5cy res\rces are allocat$ = ! design1 implem5tation1 & adm9i/ration ( t sy/em4 4 7b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( *apt]s = "p ,,iii ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to *apt] #ajb ! foll[+3 #ajc4;,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,hir+ ,au?orities#ajcja4 4 ,,vi ,improvem5t ( teleheal? s]vices #fja4 ,exp&$ teleheal? f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ent] into p>tn]%ips1 & exp& exi/+ p>tn]%ips1 betwe5 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 organizations t repres5t or s]ve vet]ans1 nonpr(it organizations1 private bus9esses1 & o!r int]e/$ p>ties = ! expansion ( teleheal? capabilities & ! provision ( teleheal? s]vices to vet]ans ?r\gh ! aw>d ( grants "u subsection 7c74 7b7 ,pref]5ce = p>tn]%ips ,! ,secret>y %all give pref]5ce to ent]+ into or exp&+ p>tn]%ips "u subsection 7a7 ) organizations t-- 7#a7 repres5t vet]ans 9 rural or highly rural areas 7z det]m9$ ?r\gh ! use ( ! ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture72 or 7#b7 op]ate 9 a m$ically und]s]v$ community 7z def9$ 9 section #gii;,b ( ! ,public ,heal? ,s]vice ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #biep774 7c7 ,aw>d ( grants 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 c>ry+ out p>tn]%ips ent]$ into or exp&$ "u ?is section ) entities describ$ 9 subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all aw>d grants to ^? entities4 7#b7 ,maximum am\nt ( grants ,! am\nt ( a grant aw>d$ "u ?is subsection may n exce$ #ge1jjj p] site p] ye>4 7#c7 ,use ( grants 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,grants aw>d$ to an entity "u ?is subsection %all be us$ = ! foll[+3 7i7 ,pur*as+ or upgrad+ h>dw>e or s(tw>e necess>y = ! provision ( secure & private teleheal? s]vices4 7ii7 ,upgrad+ security protocols = consi/5cy ) ! /&>diz$ teleheal? security protocol implem5t$ "u section #fjb7;a77#b71 or any o!r security requirem5ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7iii7 ,tra9+ ( employees1 includ+ paym5t ( ^? employees = complet+ t tra9+1 ) respect to-- 7,i7 milit>y & vet]an cultural compet5ce1 if ! entity is n an organization t repres5ts vet]ans2 & 7,,ii7 equipm5t requir$ to provide teleheal? s]vices4 7iv7 ,upgrad+ exi/+ infra/ructure own$ or leas$ by ! entity to make rooms m conducive to teleheal? c>e1 includ+-- 7,i7 additional walls to create a new1 private room2 7,,ii7 s\ndpro(+ ( exi/+ rooms2 or 7,,iii7 new electrical or int]net outlets 9 an exi/+ room4 7v7 ,upgrad+ exi/+ infra/ructure to comply ) ! ,am]icans ) ,disabilities ,act ( #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaja et seq474 7vi7 ,upgrad+ int]net infra/ructure4 7,b7 ,exclusion ,grants may n be us$ = ! pur*ase ( new prop]ty or = major con/ruction projects1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7d7 ,memor&a ( und]/&+ or agreem5t on teleheal? access po9ts 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,an entity describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 t seeks to e/abli% a teleheal? access po9t = vet]ans b does n require grant fund+ "u ?is section to d s may ent] into a memor&um ( und]/&+ or memor&um ( agreem5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t = ! e/abli%m5t ( su* an access po9t4 7#b7 ,inspection ,! ,secret>y %all inspect ! access po9t propos$ to be e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 to ensure t x is adequately private1 secure1 & accessible = vet]ans be=e ! access po9t is e/abli%$4 7e7 ,assessm5t ( b>ri]s to access 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all complete an assessm5t ( b>ri]s fac$ by vet]ans 9 access+ teleheal? s]vices f home4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an assessm5t ( curr5t & pot5tial future co/ b>ri]s to vet]ans hav+ int]net access at home4 7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( curr5t & pot5tial future b>ri]s to vet]ans access+ broadb& s]vices at home4 7,c7 ,a description ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t plans to address ! curr5t & pot5tial future co/ & access b>ri]s describ$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b74 7,d7 ,su* o!r matt]s relat$ to int]net access = vet]ans 9 _! homes z ! ,secret>y consid]s relevant4 7#c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! completion ( ! assessm5t requir$ by p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! assessm5t1 includ+ any recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action bas$ on ! results ( ! assessm5t4 7f7 ,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re is au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs #aj1jjj1jjj to c>ry out ?is section4 #fjb4 ,implem5tation ( national protocol = teleheal? security & int]fac+ in/ructions 7a7 ,national teleheal? security protocol 7#a7 ,assessm5t 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) indu/ry exp]ts1 ! ,*airman ( ! ,f$]al ,trade ,commission1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,in=mation & ,te*nology & ,*ief ,in=mation ,(fic]1 & /akehold]s1 %all conduct an assessm5t ( curr5t teleheal? security protocols4 7,b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t conduct$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,an assessm5t ( curr5t teleheal? security protocols1 includ+ protocols us$ by-- 7,i7 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 7,,ii7 o!r ,f$]al ag5cies2 7,,iii7 o!r heal? c>e provid]s2 & 7,,iv7 su* o!r organizations z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y to assess "u su* subp>agraph4 7ii7 ,a /udy ( any curr5t or future security risks-- 7,i7 fac$ by vet]ans us+ teleheal? s]vices2 or 7,,ii7 fac$ by ! ,dep>tm5t 9 furni%+ ^? s]vices4 7,c7 ,timel9e ,! ,secret>y %all complete ! assessm5t conduct$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7#b7 ,implem5tation ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! completion ( ! assessm5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all1 us+ guidance f ! assessm5t1 fully implem5t a /&>diz$ teleheal? security protocol at all facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,privacy & security ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! security protocol implem5t$ "u ?is subsection protects ! privacy & security ( vet]ans1 ! heal? data ( vet]ans1 & data f ! ,dep>tm5t4 7b7 ,national teleheal? int]fac+ in/ructions 7#a7 ,assessm5t 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) indu/ry exp]ts1 organizations t repres5t vet]ans1 ! ,*ief ,vet]ans ,exp]i5ce ,(fic]1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,in=mation & ,te*nology & ,*ief ,in=mation ,(fic]1 & /akehold]s1 %all conduct an assessm5t ( curr5t teleheal? int]fac+ in/ructions4 7,b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t conduct$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include an assessm5t ( int]fac+ in/ructions us$ by-- 7i7 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 7ii7 o!r ,f$]al ag5cies2 7iii7 o!r heal? c>e provid]s2 & 7iv7 su* o!r organizations z ! ,secret>y consid]s necess>y to assess "u su* subp>agraph4 7,c7 ,timel9e ,! ,secret>y %all complete ! assessm5t conduct$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7#b7 ,implem5tation ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! completion ( ! assessm5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all1 us+ guidance f ! assessm5t1 fully implem5t /&>diz$ teleheal? int]fac+ in/ructions at all facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,navigation ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! teleheal? int]fac+ in/ructions implem5t$ "u ?is subsection are ^? t are easie/ to navigate = vet]ans & heal? c>e provid]s4