,i  #aai? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,h4 
,r4 #gdj  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(            
,,repres5tatives  ,janu>y #bh1 #bjbe,mr4
 ,bo/ 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,b]gman1 ,mr4    
,hamadeh ( ,arizona1 ,mrs4              
,mill]-,meeks1 ,mr4 ,b>rett1 ,mrs4      
,kiggans ( ,virg9ia1 & ,mrs4 ,k+-,h9ds7 
introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to
 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs  ,a 
,,bill  ,to improve ! provision ( c>e & 
s]vices "u ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e   
,program ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs1 & = o!r purposes4  #a4 ,%ort  
title2 table ( cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title 
,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,vet]ans'     
,assur+ ,critical ,c>e ,expansions to   
,support ,s]vicememb]s ,act ( #bjbe or !
 ,vet]ans' ,,access ,act ( #bjbe4  7b7  
,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts =   
?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort   
title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title          
,i--,improvem5t ( ,vet]ans ,community   
,c>e ,program,sec4 #aja4 ,codification (
 requirem5ts = eligibility /&>ds =      
access to community c>e f ,dep>tm5t (   

,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #ajb4           
,requirem5t t ,secret>y notify vet]ans (
 eligibility = c>e "u ,vet]ans          
,community ,c>e ,program4,sec4 #ajc4    
,consid]ation "u ,vet]ans ,community    
,c>e ,program ( vet]an pref]5ce = c>e1  
cont9uity ( c>e1 & ne$ = c>egiv] or     
att5dant4,sec4 #ajd4 ,notification (    
d5ial ( reque/ = c>e "u ,vet]ans        
,community ,c>e ,program4,sec4 #aje4    
,discussion ( teleheal? options "u      
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program4,sec4 
#ajf4 ,ext5sion ( deadl9e = submittal ( 
claims by heal? c>e entities & provid]s 
"u prompt paym5t /&>d4,,title           
,,ii--,m5tal heal? treatm5t             
programs,sec4 #bja4 ,def9itions4,sec4   
#bjb4 ,/&>diz$ process to det]m9e       
eligibility ( cov]$ vet]ans =           
p>ticipation 9 c]ta9 m5tal heal?        
treatm5t programs4,sec4 #bjc4           
,improvem5ts to ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans    
,affairs ,m5tal ,heal? ,resid5tial      
,rehabilitation ,treatm5t               
,program4,,title ,,iii--,o!r heal? c>e  

matters,sec4 #cja4 ,plan on e/abli%m5t (
 int]active1 onl9e self-s]vice module = 
c>e4,sec4 #cjb4 ,modification (         
requirem5ts = ,c5t] = ,innovation = ,c>e
 & ,paym5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs & requirem5t = pilot           
program4,sec4 #cjc4 ,reports4  ,i       
,improvem5t ( ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e  
,program  #aja4 ,codification (         
requirem5ts = eligibility /&>ds = access
 to community c>e f ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans
 ,affairs  7a7 ,eligibility access /&>ds
 ,section #agjc;,b ( title #ch1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+  
subsections 7a7 ?r\gh 7e7 & ins]t+ !    
foll[+3  7a7 ,eligibility /&>ds = access
 to community c>e  7#a7 ,a cov]$ vet]an 
%all be eligible to elect to receive    
non-,dep>tm5t hospital c>e1 m$ical      
s]vices1 or ext5d$ c>e s]vices1 exclud+ 
nurs+ home c>e1 ?r\gh ! ,vet]ans        
,community ,c>e ,program "u section     
#agjc ( ?is title pursuant to subsection
 7d77#a77;,d7 ( su* section us+ ! foll[+
 eligibility access /&>ds3 7,a7 ,)      

respect to prim>y c>e1 m5tal heal? c>e1 
or ext5d$ c>e s]vices1 exclud+ nurs+    
home c>e1 if ! ,dep>tm5t _c s*$ule an   
appo9tm5t = ! cov]$ vet]an ) a heal? c>e
 provid] ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o c provide !   
ne$$ s]vice-- 7i7 )9 #cj m9utes av]age  
driv+ "t 7or su* %ort] av]age driv+ "t z
 ! ,secret>y may prescribe7 f ! resid5ce
 ( ! vet]an unless a long] av]age driv+ 
"t has be5 agre$ to by ! vet]an 9       
consultation ) a heal? c>e provid] ( !  
vet]an2 &  7ii7 )9 #bj days 7or su*     
%ort] p]iod z ! ,secret>y may prescribe7
 ( ! date ( reque/ = su* an appo9tm5t   
unless a lat] date has be5 agre$ to by !
 vet]an 9 consultation ) a heal? c>e    
provid] ( ! vet]an4  7,b7 ,) respect to 
specialty c>e1 if ! ,dep>tm5t _c s*$ule 
an appo9tm5t = ! cov]$ vet]an ) a heal? 
c>e provid] ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o c provide !
 ne$$ s]vice-- 7i7 )9 #fj m9utes av]age 
driv+ "t 7or su* %ort] av]age driv+ "t z
 ! ,secret>y may prescribe7 f ! resid5ce
 ( ! vet]an unless a long] av]age driv+ 
"t has be5 agre$ to by ! vet]an 9       

consultation ) a heal? c>e provid] ( !  
vet]an2 &  7ii7 )9 #bh days 7or su*     
%ort] p]iod z ! ,secret>y may prescribe7
 ( ! date ( reque/ = su* an appo9tm5t   
unless a lat] date has be5 agre$ to by !
 vet]an 9 consultation ) a heal? c>e    
provid] ( ! vet]an4  7#b7 ,= ! purposes 
( det]m9+ ! eligibility ( a cov]$ vet]an
 = c>e or s]vices "u p>agraph 7#a71 !   
,secret>y %all n take into consid]ation 
! availability ( teleheal? appo9tm5ts f 
! ,dep>tm5t :5 det]m9+ :e!r ! ,dep>tm5t 
is able to furni% su* c>e or s]vices 9 a
 mann] t complies ) ! eligibility access
 /&>ds "u su* p>agraph4  7#c7 ,9 ! case 
( a cov]$ vet]an :o has _h an appo9tm5t 
) a heal? c>e provid] ( ! ,dep>tm5t     
cancel$ by ! ,dep>tm5t = a reason o!r   
?an ! reque/ ( ! vet]an1 9 calculat+ a  
wait "t = a subsequ5t appo9tm5t "u      
p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all         
calculate su* wait "t f ! date ( !      
reque/ = ! orig9al1 cancel$ appo9tm5t4  
7#d7 ,if a vet]an agrees to a long]     
av]age drive "t or a lat] date "u       

subp>agraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 ( p>agraph     
7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all docum5t !        
agreem5t to su* long] av]age drive "t or
 lat] date 9 ! electronic heal? record (
 ! vet]an & provide ! vet]an a copy (   
su* docum5tation4 ,su* copy may be      
provid$ electronically4  7b7            
,application ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t 
! eligibility access /&>ds e/abli%$ "u  
subsection 7a7 apply-- 7#a7 to all c>e &
 s]vices )9 ! m$ical b5efits package ( !
 ,dep>tm5t to :i* a cov]$ vet]an is     
eligible "u section #agjc ( ?is title1  
exclud+ nurs+ home c>e2 &  7#b7 to all  
cov]$ vet]ans1 reg>dless ( :e!r a vet]an
 is a new or e/abli%$ pati5t4  7c7      
,p]iodic review ( access /&>ds ,n lat]  
?an ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ! ,vet]ans' ,assur+ ,critical ,c>e     
,expansions to ,support ,s]vicememb]s   
,act ( #bjbe1 & n less frequ5tly ?an    
once e ?ree ye>s !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y   
%all-- 7#a7 conduct a review ( !        
eligibility access /&>ds "u subsection  
7a7 9 consultation )-- 7,a7 su* ,f$]al  

entities z ! ,secret>y consid]s         
appropriate1 includ+ ! ,dep>tm5t (      
,def5se1 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,heal? & ,human  
,s]vices1 & ! ,c5t]s = ,m$ic>e  ,m$icaid
 ,s]vices2  7,b7 entities & individuals 
9 ! private sector1 includ+-- 7i7 vet]an
 pati5ts2  7ii7 vet]ans s]vice          
organizations2 &  7iii7 heal? c>e       
provid]s p>ticipat+ 9 ! ,vet]ans        
,community ,c>e ,program "u section     
#agjc ( ?is title2 &  7,c7 o!r entities 
t are n "p ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t2 &  7#b7
 submit to ! appropriate committees (   
,congress a report on-- 7,a7 ! f9d+s ( !
 ,secret>y ) respect to ! review        
conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a72 &  7,b7 su*  
recomm5dations z ! ,secret>y may h )    
respect to ! eligibility access /&>ds "u
 subsection 7a74  2  7#b7 by /rik+      
subsection 7g72  7#c7 by r$esignat+     
subsections 7f71 7h71 & 7i7 z           
subsections 7d71 7e71 & 7f71            
respectively2  7#d7 9 subsection 7d71 z 
r$esignat$ by p>agraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 by   
/rik+ e/abli%$ ea* place x appe>s2 &    

7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ 7#a7     
,subject to & ins]t+ ,compliance by     
community c>e provid]s ) access         
/&>ds4--7#a7 ,subject to2  7#e7 9       
subsection 7e71 z r$esignat$ by p>agraph
 7#c7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by   
/rik+ 7#a7 ,consi/5t ) & ins]t+         
,det]m9ation reg>d+ eligibility4--7#a7  
,consi/5t )2 &  7ii7 by /rik+ designat$ 
access /&>ds e/abli%$ "u ?is section &  
ins]t+ eligibility access /&>ds "u      
subsection 7a72 &  7,b7 9 p>agraph      
7#b77;,b71 by /rik+ designat$ access    
/&>ds e/abli%$ "u ?is section & ins]t+  
eligibility access /&>ds "u subsection  
7a72 &  7#f7 9 subsection 7f71 z        
r$esignat$ by p>agraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 9 !  
matt] prec$+ p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ,9 
?is section & ins]t+ ,def9itions4--,9   
?is section2 &  7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#b7--  
7i7 by /rik+ cov]$ vet]ans & ins]t+     
cov]$ vet]an2 &  7ii7 by /rik+ vet]ans  
describ$ & ins]t+ a vet]an describ$4    
7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section #agjc7;d7 
( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph  

7#a77;,d71 by /rik+ designat$ access    
/&>ds develop$ by ! ,secret>y "u section
 #agjc;,b ( ?is title & ins]t+          
eligibility access /&>ds "u section     
#agjc;,b7a7 ( ?is title2 &  7#b7 9      
p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ designat$ access
 /&>ds develop$ by ! ,secret>y "u       
section #agjc;,b ( ?is title & ins]t+   
eligibility access /&>ds "u section     
#agjc;,b7a7 ( ?is title4  #ajb4         
,requirem5t t ,secret>y notify vet]ans (
 eligibility = c>e "u ,vet]ans          
,community ,c>e ,program ,section       
#agjc7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new p>agraph3  7#e7 7,a7 ,!      
,secret>y %all notify ea* cov]$ vet]an 9
 writ+ ( ! eligibility ( su* vet]an =   
c>e or s]vices "u ?is section z soon z  
possible1 b n lat] ?an two bus9ess days1
 aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y is aw>e 
t ! vet]an is seek+ c>e or s]vices & is 
eligible = su* c>e or s]vices "u ?is    
section4  7,b7 ,) respect to ea* cov]$  
vet]an eligible = c>e or s]vices "u     

subsection 7d71 ! ,secret>y %all provide
 su* vet]an p]iodic rem9d]s1 z !        
,secret>y det]m9es appropriate1 ( _!    
ongo+ eligibility "u su* subsection4    
7,c7 ,any notification or rem9d] "u ?is 
p>agraph may be provid$ electronically4 
4  #ajc4 ,consid]ation "u ,vet]ans      
,community ,c>e ,program ( vet]an       
pref]5ce = c>e1 cont9uity ( c>e1 & ne$ =
 c>egiv] or att5dant ,section           
#agjc7;d77#b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !     
foll[+ new subp>agraphs3  7,f7 ,!       
pref]5ce ( ! cov]$ vet]an = :]e1 :51 &  
h[ to seek hospital c>e1 m$ical s]vices1
 or ext5d$ c>e s]vices4  7,g7 ,cont9uity
 ( c>e4  7,h7 ,:e!r ! cov]$ vet]an      
reque/s or requires ! assi/ance ( a     
c>egiv] or att5dant :5 seek+ hospital   
c>e1 m$ical s]vices1 or ext5d$ c>e      
s]vices4  4  #ajd4 ,notification ( d5ial
 ( reque/ = c>e "u ,vet]ans ,community  
,c>e ,program ,section #agjc ( title    
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--    
7#a7 by r$esignat+ subsection 7o7 z     

subsection 7p72 &  7#b7 by ins]t+ aft]  
subsection 7n7 ! foll[+ new subsection  
7o73  7o7 ,notification ( d5ial ( reque/
 = c>e & h[ ,to appeal  7#a7 ,if a      
reque/ by a vet]an = c>e or s]vices "u  
?is section is d5i$1 ! ,secret>y %all   
notify ! vet]an 9 writ+ z soon z        
possible1 b n lat] ?an two bus9ess days1
 aft] ! d5ial is made-- 7,a7 ( ! reason 
= ! d5ial2 &  7,b7 ) in/ructions on h[  
to appeal su* d5ial us+ ! cl9ical       
appeals process ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?     
,adm9i/ration4  7#b7 ,if a d5ial "u     
p>agraph 7#a7 is due to n meet+ !       
eligibility access /&>ds "u section     
#agjc;,b7a7 ( ?is title1 notice "u su*  
p>agraph %all include an explanation =  
:y ! ,secret>y does n consid] ! vet]an  
to h met su* /&>ds4  7#c7 ,any          
notification "u ?is subsection may be   
provid$ electronically4  4  #aje4       
,discussion ( teleheal? options "u      
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program       
,section #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #ajd1  

is fur!r am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+     
subsection 7p7 z subsection 7q72 &  7#b7
 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7o7 ! foll[+ 
new subsection 7p73  7p7 ,discussion (  
options = teleheal? ,:5 discuss+ options
 = c>e or s]vices = a cov]$ vet]an "u   
?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t !
 vet]an is in=m$ ( ! ability ( ! vet]an 
to seek c>e or s]vices via teleheal?1   
ei!r ?r\gh a m$ical facility ( !        
,dep>tm5t or "u ?is section1 if         
teleheal?-- 7#a7 is available to !      
vet]an2  7#b7 is appropriate = ! type ( 
c>e or s]vices ! vet]an is seek+1 z     
det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y2 &  7#c7 is      
acceptable to ! vet]an4  4  #ajf4       
,ext5sion ( deadl9e = submittal ( claims
 by heal? c>e entities & provid]s "u    
prompt paym5t /&>d ,section #agjc;,d7b7 
( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is    
am5d$ by /rik+ #ahj days & ins]t+ "o    
ye>4  ,,ii ,m5tal heal? treatm5t        
programs  #bja4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is      
title3 7#a7 ,cov]$ treatm5t program ,!  
t]m cov]$ treatm5t program-- 7,a7       

means-- 7i7 a m5tal heal? resid5tial    
rehabilitation treatm5t program ( !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 or  7ii7 
a program ( ! ,dep>tm5t = resid5tial c>e
 = m5tal heal? & sub/ance abuse         
disord]s2  7,b7 includes-- 7i7 !        
programs designat$ z ( ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act z domicili>y        
resid5tial rehabilitation treatm5t      
programs2 &  7ii7 any programs designat$
 z domicili>y resid5tial rehabilitation 
treatm5t programs on or aft] su* date ( 
enactm5t2 &  7,c7 does n include        
,comp5sat$ ,"w ,!rapy ,transition       
,resid5ce programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 
,cov]$ vet]an ,! t]m cov]$ vet]an means 
a vet]an describ$ 9 section #agjc7;b7 ( 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#c7   
,social support sy/ems ,! t]m social    
support sy/ems1 ) respect to a cov]$    
vet]an-- 7,a7 means-- 7i7 a memb] ( !   
family ( ! cov]$ vet]an1 includ+ a p>5t1
 sp\se1 *ild1 /ep-family memb]1 or      
ext5d$ family memb]2 or  7ii7 an        
individual :o lives ) ! vet]an b is n a 

memb] ( ! family ( ! vet]an2 &  7,b7    
does n include a facility-organiz$ pe]  
support program4  7#d7 ,treatm5t track  
,! t]m treatm5t track means a specializ$
 treatm5t program t is provid$ to a     
subset ( cov]$ vet]ans 9 a cov]$        
treatm5t program :o receive ! same or   
simil> int5sive treatm5t &              
rehabilitative s]vices4  #bjb4 ,/&>diz$ 
process to det]m9e eligibility ( cov]$  
vet]ans = p>ticipation 9 c]ta9 m5tal    
heal? treatm5t programs  7a7 ,/&>diz$   
scre5+ process ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !        
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
e/abli% a /&>diz$ scre5+ process to     
det]m9e1 bas$ on cl9ical ne$1 :e!r a    
cov]$ vet]an satisfies crit]ia =        
priority or r\t9e admission to a cov]$  
treatm5t program4  7b7 ,eligibility     
crit]ia = priority admission  7#a7 ,9   
g5]al ,"u ! /&>diz$ scre5+ process      
requir$ by subsection 7a71 a cov]$      
vet]an %all be eligible = priority      
admission to a cov]$ treatm5t program if

 ! cov]$ vet]an meets crit]ia e/abli%$  
by ! ,secret>y t include any ( ! foll[+3
 7,a7 ,symptoms t-- 7i7 significantly   
affect activities ( daily life2 &  7ii7 
increase ! risk ( su* vet]an = adv]se   
outcomes4  7,b7 ,an unsafe liv+         
situation4  7,c7 ,a high-risk flag =    
suicide4  7,d7 ,a det]m9ation ( be+ a   
high risk = suicide4  7,e7 ,risk factors
 = ov]dose4  7,f7 ,non-responsive1      
relaps$1 or unable to f9d recov]y f "o  
o!r c\rse ( treatm5t1 su* z outpati5t or
 int5sive outpati5t treatm5t4  7,g7 ,su*
 o!r crit]ia z ! ,secret>y det]m9es     
appropriate4  7#b7 ,consid]ation ,9 mak+
 a det]m9ation t a cov]$ vet]an meets   
crit]ia e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y "u      
p>agraph 7#a7 = priority admission to a 
cov]$ treatm5t program1 ! ,secret>y %all
 consid] any ref]ral ( a heal? c>e      
provid] ( a cov]$ vet]an4  7c7 ,"t =    
scre5+ & admission ,"u ! /&>diz$ scre5+ 
process requir$ by subsection 7a71 !    
,secret>y %all ensure a cov]$ vet]an--  
7#a7 is scre5$ n lat] ?an #dh h\rs aft] 

! date on :i* ! cov]$ vet]an1 or a      
relevant heal? c>e provid]1 makes a     
reque/ = ! cov]$ vet]an to be admitt$ to
 a cov]$ treatm5t program2  7#b7 if     
det]m9$ eligible = priority admission to
 a cov]$ treatm5t program1 is admitt$ to
 su* cov]$ treatm5t program n lat] ?an  
#dh h\rs aft] ! date ( su* det]m9ation2 
&  7#c7 is scre5$ at an appropriate "t =
 pot5tial mild1 mod]ate1 or sev]e       
traumatic bra9 injury4  7d7             
,consid]ations ,9 mak+ placem5t         
decisions 9 a cov]$ treatm5t program =  
vet]ans :o meet crit]ia = priority      
admission1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7      
consid] ! input ( ! cov]$ vet]an )      
respect to !-- 7,a7 program specialty1  
subtype1 & treatm5t track (f]$ to !     
cov]$ vet]an2 &  7,b7 geographic        
placem5t ( ! cov]$ vet]an2 &  7#b7      
maximize ! proximity ( ! cov]$ vet]an to
 social support sy/ems4  7e7 ,conditions
 "u :i* c>e %all be furni%$ ?r\gh       
non-,dep>tm5t provid]s  7#a7 ,priority  
admission ,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es a    

cov]$ vet]an is eligible = priority     
admission to a cov]$ treatm5t program   
pursuant to ! /&>diz$ scre5+ process    
requir$ by subsection 7a7 & ! ,secret>y 
is unable to admit su* cov]$ vet]an to a
 cov]$ treatm5t program at a facility ( 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 a     
mann] t complies ) ! requirem5ts "u     
subsections 7c7 & 7d71 ! ,secret>y %all 
(f] ! cov]$ vet]an ! option to receive  
c>e at a non-,dep>tm5t facility t-- 7,a7
 c admit ! cov]$ vet]an )9 ! p]iod      
requir$ by subsection 7c72  7,b7 is p>ty
 to a contract or agreem5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t
 or ent]s into su* a contract or        
agreem5t "u :i* ! ,dep>tm5t furni%es a  
program t is equival5t to a cov]$       
treatm5t program to a vet]an ?r\gh su*  
non-,dep>tm5t facility2  7,c7 is lic5s$ 
by a ,/ate2 &  7,d7 is accr$it$ by !    
,commission on ,accr$itation (          
,rehabilitation ,facilities or ! ,jo9t  
,commission4  7#b7 ,r\t9e admission ,if 
! ,secret>y det]m9es a cov]$ vet]an is  
eligible = r\t9e admission to a cov]$   

treatm5t program pursuant to ! /&>diz$  
scre5+ process requir$ by subsection 7a7
 & ! ,secret>y is unable to admit su*   
cov]$ vet]an to a cov]$ treatm5t program
 at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs 9 a mann] t complies ) ! access
 /&>ds = m5tal heal? c>e e/abli%$       
pursuant to section #agjc;,b ( title    
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 ! ,secret>y   
%all (f] ! cov]$ vet]an ! option to     
receive c>e at a non-,dep>tm5t facility 
t-- 7,a7 is p>ty to a contract or       
agreem5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t or ent]s into su*
 a contract or agreem5t "u :i* !        
,dep>tm5t furni%es a program t is       
equival5t to a cov]$ treatm5t program to
 a vet]an ?r\gh su* non-,dep>tm5t       
facility2  7,b7 is lic5s$ by a ,/ate2 & 
7,c7 is accr$it$ by ! ,commission on    
,accr$itation ( ,rehabilitation         
,facilities or ! ,jo9t ,commission4     
7#c7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,?is subsection
 %all n be con/ru$ to affect a cov]$    
vet]an 9 a cov]$ treatm5t program       
pursuant to a det]m9ation made on or    

be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4    
#bjc4 ,improvem5ts to ,dep>tm5t (       
,vet]ans ,affairs ,m5tal ,heal?         
,resid5tial ,rehabilitation ,treatm5t   
,program  7a7 ,p]=mance metrics  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
%all develop metrics to track1 & %all   
subsequ5tly track1 ! p]=mance ( m$ical  
facilities & ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice
 ,networks ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs 9 meet+ ! requirem5ts =-- 7,a7 
scre5+1 "u section #bjb1 = a cov]$      
treatm5t program2 &  7,b7 timely        
admission to a cov]$ treatm5t program "u
 su* scre5+4  7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! metrics  
develop$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include  
metrics = track+ ! p]=mance ( m$ical    
facilities & ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice
 ,networks ) respect to r\t9e & priority
 admission "u a cov]$ treatm5t program4 
7b7 ,ov]sight ,! ,secret>y %all develop 
a process = sy/ematically assess+ !     
quality ( c>e deliv]$ by ,dep>tm5t &    
non-,dep>tm5t provid]s treat+ cov]$     
vet]ans "u ?is section1 :i* %all include

 assessm5ts (-- 7#a7 ! ext5t to :i* !   
provid] is deliv]+ evid5ce-bas$         
treatm5ts to cov]$ vet]ans2  7#b7       
cl9ical outcomes = cov]$ vet]ans2  7#c7 
! ratio ( lic5s$ indep5d5t practition]s 
p] resid5t2  7#d7 ! rate ( completion ( 
tra9+ on milit>y cultural compet5ce by  
lic5s$ indep5d5t practition]s2 &  7#e7  
pot5tially wa/eful1 fraudul5t1 or       
inappropriate ref]ral or bill+          
practices4  7c7 ,placem5t2              
transportation  7#a7 ,locations ,if !   
,secret>y det]m9es t a cov]$ vet]an is 9
 ne$ ( resid5tial c>e "u a cov]$        
treatm5t program1 ! ,secret>y %all      
provide to ! cov]$ vet]an a li/ (       
locations at :i* su* cov]$ vet]an c     
receive su* resid5tial c>e t meets--    
7,a7 ! /&>ds = scre5+ "u section #bjb2 &
  7,b7 ! c>e ne$s ( ! cov]$ vet]an1     
includ+ applicable treatm5t tracks4     
7#b7 ,transportation cov]age ,!         
,secret>y %all provide transportation or
 pay = or reimburse ! co/s (            
transportation = any cov]$ vet]an :o is 

admitt$ into a cov]$ treatm5t program & 
ne$s transportation assi/ance-- 7,a7 f !
 resid5ce ( ! cov]$ vet]an or a facility
 ( ! ,dep>tm5t or au?oriz$ non-,dep>tm5t
 facility t does n provide su* c>e to   
ano!r su* facility t provides resid5tial
 c>e cov]$ "u a cov]$ treatm5t program2 
&  7,b7 back to ! resid5ce ( ! cov]$    
vet]an aft] ! conclusion ( a cov]$      
treatm5t program1 if applicable4  7d7   
,appeals  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y    
%all develop a national policy &        
associat$ proc$ures "u :i* a cov]$      
vet]an1 a repres5tative ( a cov]$       
vet]an1 or a provid] :o reque/s a cov]$ 
vet]an be admitt$ to a cov]$ treatm5t   
program1 includ+ a provid] ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 or a non-,dep>tm5t provid]1 may file a 
cl9ical appeal pursuant to ?is          
subsection if ! cov]$ vet]an is-- 7,a7  
d5i$ admission into a cov]$ treatm5t    
program2 or  7,b7 accept$ into a cov]$  
treatm5t program b is n (f]$ b$ placem5t
 9 a timely mann]4  7#b7 ,timel9ess     
/&>ds = review  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!        

national policy & proc$ures develop$ "u 
p>agraph 7#a7 = appeals describ$ 9 su*  
p>agraph %all include timel9ess /&>ds = 
! ,dep>tm5t to review & make a decision 
on su* an appeal4  7,b7 ,decision ,!    
,secret>y %all review & respond to any  
appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7 n lat] ?an #gb  
h\rs aft] ! ,secret>y receives su*      
appeal4  7#c7 ,public guidance ,!       
,secret>y %all develop1 & make available
 to ! public1 guidance on h[ a cov]$    
vet]an1 a repres5tative ( ! cov]$       
vet]an1 or a provid] ( ! cov]$ vet]an c 
file a cl9ical appeal pursuant to ?is   
subsection-- 7,a7 if ! cov]$ vet]an is  
d5i$ admission into a cov]$ treatm5t    
program2  7,b7 if ! fir/ date on :i* !  
cov]$ vet]an may ent] a cov]$ treatm5t  
program does n comply ) ! /&>ds e/abli%$
 by ! ,dep>tm5t "u section #agjc;,b (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 =       
purposes ( det]m9+ eligibility = m5tal  
heal? c>e "u subsections 7d7 & 7e7 (    
section #agjc ( su* title2 or  7,c7 )   
respect to su* o!r factors z ! ,secret>y

 may specify4  7#d7 ,rule ( con/ruction 
,no?+ 9 ?is subsection may be con/ru$ z 
grant+ a cov]$ vet]an ! "r to appeal a  
decision ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to     
admission to a cov]$ treatm5t program to
 ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals "u *apt]  
#ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4   
7e7 ,track+ ( availability & wait times 
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all1 to !   
ext5t practicable1 create a me?od =     
track+ availability & wait times "u a   
cov]$ treatm5t program across all       
facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ,vet]ans      
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( !        
,dep>tm5t1 & non-,dep>tm5t provid]s     
?r\gh\t ! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7#b7          
,availability ( in=mation ,! ,secret>y  
%all1 to ! ext5t practicable1 make !    
in=mation track$ "u p>agraph 7#a7       
available 9 real "t to-- 7,a7 ! m5tal   
heal? treatm5t coord9ators at ea*       
facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t2  7,b7 ! lead]%ip
 ( ea* m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t2  7,c7 
! lead]%ip ( ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$    
,s]vice ,network2 &  7,d7 ! ,(fice ( !  

,"u ,secret>y = ,heal? ( ! ,dep>tm5t4   
7f7 ,tra9+ & ov]sight  7#a7 ,tra9+  7,a7
 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all update &    
implem5t tra9+ = /aff ( ! ,dep>tm5t     
directly involv$ 9 a cov]$ treatm5t     
program reg>d+ ref]rals1 scre5+1        
admission1 placem5t decisions1 & appeals
 = su* program1 includ+ all *anges to   
processes & guidance "u su* program     
requir$ by ?is section & section #bjb4  
7,b7 ,cov]$ vet]ans await+ admission ,! 
tra9+ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include  
proc$ures = ! c>e ( cov]$ vet]ans await+
 admission into a cov]$ treatm5t program
 & communication ) su* cov]$ vet]ans & !
 provid]s ( su* cov]$ vet]ans4  7,c7    
,tim+ ( tra9+  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y
 %all require ! tra9+ "u subp>agraph    
7,a7 to be complet$ by /aff requir$ to  
complete su* tra9+-- 7,i7 n lat] ?an #fj
 days aft] beg9n+ employm5t at !        
,dep>tm5t 9 a position t includes "w    
directly involv+ a cov]$ treatm5t       
program2 &  7,,ii7 n less frequ5tly ?an 
annually4  7ii7 ,track+ ,! ,secret>y    

%all track completion ( tra9+ requir$ "u
 clause 7i7 by /aff requir$ to complete 
su* tra9+4  7#b7 ,ov]sight /&>ds ,!     
,secret>y %all review & revise ov]sight 
/&>ds = ! lead]%ip ( ! ,vet]ans         
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks & !        
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration to ensure 
t facilities & /aff ( ! ,dep>tm5t are   
adh]+ to ! policy on access to c>e ( ea*
 cov]$ treatm5t program4  7g7 ,c>e      
coord9ation & foll[-,up c>e  7#a7       
,cont9uity ( c>e ,! ,secret>y %all      
ensure ea* cov]$ vet]an :o is scre5$ =  
admission to a cov]$ treatm5t program is
 (f]$1 & provid$ if agre$ ^u1 c>e       
options dur+ ! p]iod betwe5 scre5+ ( !  
cov]$ vet]an & admission ( ! cov]$      
vet]an to su* program to ensure ! cov]$ 
vet]an does n exp]i5ce any lapse 9 c>e4 
7#b7 ,c>e coord9ation = sub/ance use    
disord] ,= a cov]$ vet]an be+ treat$ =  
sub/ance use disord]1 ! ,secret>y %all--
 7,a7 ensure !re is a c>e plan 9 place  
dur+ ! p]iod betwe5 any detoxification  
s]vices or inpati5t c>e receiv$ by !    

cov]$ vet]an & admission ( ! cov]$      
vet]an to a cov]$ treatm5t program2 &   
7,b7 communicate t c>e plan to ! cov]$  
vet]an1 ! prim>y c>e provid] ( ! cov]$  
vet]an1 & ! facility :]e ! cov]$ vet]an 
is or w be resid+ "u su* program4  7#c7 
,c>e plann+ prior to dis*>ge  7,a7 ,9   
g5]al ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) !  
cov]$ vet]an & ! treat+ provid]s ( !    
cov]$ vet]an 9 a cov]$ treatm5t program1
 %all ensure ! completion ( a c>e plan  
prior to ! cov]$ vet]an be+ dis*>g$ f   
su* program4  7,b7 ,matt]s to be includ$
 ,! c>e plan requir$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7
 = a cov]$ vet]an %all include details  
on ! c\rse ( treatm5t = ! cov]$ vet]an  
foll[+ completion ( treatm5t "u ! cov]$ 
treatm5t program1 includ+ any necess>y  
foll[-up c>e4  7,c7 ,%>+ ( c>e plan ,!  
c>e plan requir$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7    
%all be %>$ ) ! cov]$ vet]an1 ! prim>y  
c>e provid] ( ! cov]$ vet]an1 & any o!r 
provid]s ) :i* ! cov]$ vet]an cons5ts to
 %>+ ! plan4  7,d7 ,dis*>ge f           
non-dep>tm5t facility ,^u dis*>ge ( a   

cov]$ vet]an "u a cov]$ treatm5t program
 f a non-,dep>tm5t facility1 ! facility 
%all %>e ) ! ,dep>tm5t all c>e records  
ma9ta9$ by ! facility ) respect to !    
cov]$ vet]an & %all "w 9 consultation ) 
! ,dep>tm5t on ! c>e plan ( ! cov]$     
vet]an requir$ "u subp>agraph 7,a74  7h7
 ,reports to ,congress  7#a7 ,report on 
modifications to programs  7,a7 ,9 g5]al
 ,n lat] ?an two ye>s 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 on             
modifications made to ! guidance1       
op]ation1 & ov]sight ( cov]$ treatm5t   
programs to fulfill ! requirem5ts ( ?is 
section4  7,b7 ,elem5ts ,! report       
requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all        
include-- 7i7 an assessm5t ( :e!r co/s (
 cov]$ treatm5t programs1 includ+ =     
resid5tial c>e provid$ ?r\gh facilities 
( ! ,dep>tm5t & non-,dep>tm5t           
facilities1 s]ve z a dis9c5tive to      

placem5t 9 ! su* a program2  7ii7 a     
description ( actions tak5 by !         
,dep>tm5t to address ! f9d+s &          
recomm5dations by ! ,secret>y conta9$ 9 
! report "u section #ejc7;c7 ( ! ,,/rong
 ,vet]ans ,act ( #bjbb 7division ,v (   
,public ,law #aag-cbh2 #acf ,/at4       
#eeae71 includ+-- 7,i7 su* actions )    
respect to-- 7aa7 any new locations add$
 = cov]$ treatm5t programs2  7bb7 any   
b$s add$ at exi/+ facilities ( su*      
programs2 &  7cc7 any additional        
treatm5t tracks or sex-specific programs
 creat$ or add$ at facilities ( !       
,dep>tm5t2 &  7,,ii7 a breakd[n ( !     
numb] & p]c5tage ( cov]$ vet]ans :o are 
det]m9$ eligible = priority placem5t    
into a cov]$ treatm5t program & ! numb] 
& p]c5tage ( cov]$ vet]ans :o are       
det]m9$ eligible = r\t9e placem5t into a
 cov]$ treatm5t program2 &  7iii7 su*   
recomm5dations z ! ,secret>y may h =    
legislative or adm9i/rative action to   
address any fund+ con/ra9ts or          
dis9c5tives = use ( a cov]$ treatm5t    

program4  7#b7 ,annual report on        
op]ation ( programs  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n   
lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! submission ( !   
report "u p>agraph 7#a71 & n less       
frequ5tly ?an annually !reaft] dur+ !   
p]iod 9 :i* a cov]$ treatm5t program is 
c>ri$ out1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! 
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on ! op]ation ( su* programs4    
7,b7 ,elem5ts ,subject to subp>agraph   
7,c71 ea* report requir$ by subp>agraph 
7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! numb]
 ( cov]$ vet]ans s]v$ by a cov]$        
treatm5t program1 disaggregat$ by-- 7,i7
 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network 9 
:i* ! cov]$ vet]an receives c>e2  7,,ii7
 facility1 includ+ facilities ( !       
,dep>tm5t & non-,dep>tm5t facilities1 at
 :i* ! cov]$ vet]an receives c>e2       
7,,iii7 type ( resid5tial rehabilitation
 treatm5t c>e receiv$ by ! cov]$ vet]an 
"u su* program2  7,,iv7 sex ( ! cov]$   
vet]an2 &  7,v7 race or e?nicity ( !    

cov]$ vet]an4  7ii7 ,wait times "u a    
cov]$ treatm5t program = ! mo/ rec5t ye>
 data is available1 disaggregat$ by--   
7,i7 treatm5t track or specificity (    
resid5tial rehabilitation treatm5t c>e  
s\ght by ! cov]$ vet]an2  7,,ii7 sex ( !
 cov]$ vet]an2  7,,iii7 ,/ate or        
t]ritory 9 :i* ! cov]$ vet]an is locat$2
  7,,iv7 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice    
,network 9 :i* ! cov]$ vet]an is locat$2
 &  7,v7 facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t at :i* !
 cov]$ vet]an seeks c>e4  7iii7 ,a li/ (
 all locations ( a cov]$ treatm5t       
program & numb] ( b$ spaces at ea* su*  
location1 disaggregat$ by resid5tial    
rehabilitation treatm5t c>e or treatm5t 
track provid$ "u su* program at su*     
location4  7iv7 ,a li/ ( any new        
locations ( cov]$ treatm5t programs add$
 or remov$ & any b$ spaces add$ or      
remov$ dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date
 ( ! report4  7v7 ,av]age co/ ( a /ay "u
 a cov]$ treatm5t program1 includ+ total
 /ay av]age & daily av]age1 at          
facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t comp>$ to      

non-,dep>tm5t facilities4  7vi7 ,a      
review ( /aff+ ne$s & gaps ) respect to 
cov]$ treatm5t programs4  7vii7 ,any    
recomm5dations = *anges to ! op]ation ( 
cov]$ treatm5t programs1 includ+ any    
policy *anges1 guidance *anges1 tra9+   
*anges1 or o!r *anges4  7,c7 ,anonymity 
,to ensure t ! data provid$ "u ?is      
p>agraph1 or "s portion ( t data1 w n   
und]m9e ! anonymity ( a vet]an1 !       
,secret>y %all provide su* data pursuant
 to applicable ,f$]al law & 9 a mann] t 
is :olly consi/5t ) applicable ,f$]al   
privacy & confid5tiality laws1 includ+--
 7i7 section #eeb;a ( title #e1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code 7commonly kn[n z ! ,privacy
 ,act ( #aigd72  7ii7 ! ,heal?          
,insurance ,portability & ,acc\ntability
 ,act ( #aiif 7,public ,law #ajd-aia72  
7iii7 p>ts #afj & #afd ( title #de1     
,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or         
successor regulations2 &  7iv7 sections 
#egja1 #egje1 & #gccb ( title #ch1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7i7 ,revision (   
guidance ,! ,secret>y %all update !     

guidance ( ! ,dep>tm5t on ! op]ation (  
cov]$ treatm5t programs to reflect ea* (
 ! requirem5ts "u subsections 7b7 ?r\gh 
7h74  7j7 ,deadl9e ,! ,secret>y %all    
c>ry out ea* requirem5t "u ?is section  
by n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( !    
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 unless o!rwise     
specifi$4  7k7 ,comptroll] ,g5]al review
  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s    
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
%all review access to c>e "u a cov]$    
treatm5t program = cov]$ vet]ans 9 ne$ (
 resid5tial m5tal heal? c>e & sub/ance  
use disord] c>e4  7#b7 ,elem5ts ,!      
review requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all    
include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a review ( wait 
times "u a cov]$ treatm5t program1      
disaggregat$ by-- 7i7 treatm5t track or 
specificity ( resid5tial rehabilitation 
treatm5t c>e ne$$2  7ii7 sex ( ! cov]$  
vet]an2  7iii7 home ,/ate ( ! cov]$     
vet]an2  7iv7 home ,vet]ans ,integrat$  
,s]vice ,network ( ! cov]$ vet]an2 &    
7v7 wait times =-- 7,i7 facilities ( !  

,dep>tm5t2 &  7,,ii7 non-,dep>tm5t      
facilities4  7,b7 ,a review ( policy &  
tra9+ ( ! ,dep>tm5t on scre5+1          
admission1 & placem5t "u a cov]$        
treatm5t program4  7,c7 ,a review ( !   
rights ( cov]$ vet]ans & provid]s to    
appeal admission decisions "u a cov]$   
treatm5t program & h[ ! ,dep>tm5t       
adjudicates appeals4  7,d7 ,:5 det]m9+ !
 facility at :i* a cov]$ vet]an admitt$ 
to a cov]$ treatm5t program w be plac$ 9
 su* program1 a review ( h[ ! input ( ! 
cov]$ vet]an is tak5 into consid]ation )
 respect to-- 7i7 program specialty1    
subtype1 or treatm5t track (f]$ to !    
cov]$ vet]an2 &  7ii7 ! geographic      
placem5t ( ! cov]$ vet]an1 includ+      
family- or occupation-relat$ pref]5ces  
or circum/ances4  7,e7 ,a review ( /aff+
 & /aff+ ne$s & gaps ( cov]$ treatm5t   
programs1 includ+ ) respect to-- 7i7    
m5tal heal? provid]s & coord9ators at ! 
facility level2  7ii7 /aff ( facilities 
( su* programs2  7iii7 /aff ( ,vet]ans  
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks2 &  7iv7   

ov]all adm9i/ration ( su* programs at ! 
national level4  7,f7 ,recomm5dations = 
improvem5t ( access by cov]$ vet]ans to 
c>e "u a cov]$ treatm5t program1 includ+
 ) respect to-- 7i7 any new sites or    
types ( programs ne$$ or 9 developm5t2  
7ii7 *anges 9 tra9+ or policy2  7iii7   
*anges 9 communications ) cov]$ vet]ans2
 &  7iv7 ov]sight ( cov]$ treatm5t      
programs by ! ,dep>tm5t4  ,,iii ,o!r    
heal? c>e matt]s  #cja4 ,plan on        
e/abli%m5t ( int]active1 onl9e          
self-s]vice module = c>e  7a7 ,9 g5]al  
,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 work+ 
) ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rators & act+ ?r\gh
 ! ,c5t] = ,innovation = ,c>e & ,paym5t 
( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs "u    
section #agjc;,e ( title #ch1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 %all develop & implem5t a 
plan to e/abli% an int]active1 onl9e    
self-s]vice module-- 7#a7 to all[       
vet]ans to reque/ appo9tm5ts1 track     
ref]rals = heal? c>e "u ! laws adm9i/]$ 
by ! ,secret>y1 :e!r at a facility ( !  
,dep>tm5t or ?r\gh a non-,dep>tm5t      

provid]1 & receive appo9tm5t rem9d]s2   
7#b7 to all[ vet]ans to appeal & track  
decisions relat+ to-- 7,a7 d5ials (     
reque/s = c>e or s]vices "u section     
#agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 
or  7,b7 d5ials ( reque/s = c>e or      
s]vices at facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1    
includ+ "u section #agaj ( su* title2 & 
7#c7 to implem5t su* o!r matt]s z       
det]m9$ appropriate by ! ,secret>y 9    
consultation ) ,?ird ,p>ty              
,adm9i/rators4  7b7 ,submittal ( plan   
7#a7 ,initial plan ,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 ! plan develop$ 
"u subsection 7a74  7#b7 ,qu>t]ly update
 ,n less frequ5tly ?an qu>t]ly foll[+ ! 
submittal ( ! plan "u p>agraph 7#a7 & = 
two ye>s !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all      
submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          

,repres5tatives a report conta9+ any    
updates on ! implem5tation ( su* plan4  
7c7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,?is section    
%all n be con/ru$ to be a pilot program 
subject to ! requirem5ts ( section      
#agjc;,e ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code4  7d7 ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator    
def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,?ird ,p>ty 
,adm9i/rator means an entity t manages a
 provid] network & p]=ms adm9i/rative   
s]vices relat$ to su* network "u section
 #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4
  #cjb4 ,modification ( requirem5ts =   
,c5t] = ,innovation = ,c>e & ,paym5t ( !
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs &        
requirem5t = pilot program  7a7 ,9 g5]al
 ,section #agjc;,e ( title #ch1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9         
subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71  
by /rik+ )9 ! ,dep>tm5t & ins]t+ )9 !   
,(fice ( ! ,secret>y2  7,b7 9 p>agraph  
7#b71 by /rik+ may & ins]t+ %all2 &     
7,c7 9 p>agraph 7#c7-- 7i7 9 subp>agraph
 7,a71 by /rik+ 2 & & ins]t+ a          
semicolon2  7ii7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by 

/rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 2 or2 & 
7iii7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new     
subp>agraph3  7,c7 increase             
productivity1 effici5cy1 & mod]nization 
?r\gh\t ! ,dep>tm5t4  2  7#b7 by /rik+  
subsection 7d7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new    
subsection 7d73  7d7 ,budget>y l9e item 
,! ,secret>y %all include 9 ! budget    
ju/ification mat]ials submitt$ to       
,congress 9 support ( ! budget ( !      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = a fiscal
 ye> 7z submitt$ ) ! budget ( !         
,presid5t "u section #aaje7;a7 ( title  
#ca7 specific id5tification1 z a        
budget>y l9e item1 ( ! am\nts requir$ to
 c>ry out ?is section4  2  7#c7 9       
subsection 7f7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71  
by /rik+ 9 sub*apt]s ,i1 ,,ii1 & ,,iii (
 ?is *apt] & ins]t+ ( ?is title1 ( title
 #ch1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 & (  
any h&books1 directives1 or policy      
docum5ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 &  7,b7 9       
p>agraph 7#b71 9 ! matt] prec$+         
subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ waiv+ any    
au?ority & ins]t+ waiv+ any provision ( 

?is title2  7#d7 9 subsection 7g77#a71  
by ins]t+ few] ?an ?ree or be=e m ?an   
#aj2  7#e7 9 subsection 7i7-- 7,a7 9    
p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ! ,"u ,secret>y 
= ,heal? & ! ,special ,m$ical ,advisory 
,gr\p e/abli%$ pursuant to section #gcab
 ( ?is title & ins]t+ ! ,"u ,secret>y = 
,heal?1 ! ,special ,m$ical ,advisory    
,gr\p e/abli%$ pursuant to section #gcab
 ( ?is title1 ! ,(fice ( ,integrat$     
,vet]an ,c>e 7or successor (fice71 !    
,(fice ( ,f9ance 7or successor (fice71 !
 ,vet]an ,exp]i5ce ,(fice 7or successor 
(fice71 ! ,(fice ( ,ent]prise           
,integration 7or successor (fice71 & !  
,(fice ( ,in=mation & ,te*nology 7or    
successor (fice72 &  7,b7 9 p>agraph    
7#b71 by /rik+ repres5tatives ( relevant
 ,f$]al ag5cies1 & cl9ical & analytical 
exp]ts ) exp]tise 9 m$ic9e & heal? c>e  
managem5t & ins]t+ repres5tatives (     
relevant ,f$]al ag5cies1 nonpr(it       
organizations1 & o!r public & private   
sector entities1 includ+ ^? ) cl9ical & 
analytical exp]ts ) exp]tise 9 m$ic9e & 

heal? c>e managem5t2 &  7#f7 by add+ at 
! end ! foll[+ new subsection3  7k7     
,report on activities ( ,c5t] =         
,innovation = ,c>e & ,paym5t ,n less    
frequ5tly ?an annually1 ! ,secret>y %all
 submit to ,congress a report t conta9s1
 = ! "o-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( !     
report-- 7#a7 a full acc\nt+ ( !        
activities1 /aff1 budget1 & o!r res\rces
 & ef=ts ( ! ,c5t]2 &  7#b7 an assessm5t
 ( ! outcomes ( ! ef=ts ( ! ,c5t]4  4   
7b7 ,comptroll] ,g5]al ,report ,n lat]  
?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ,congress a
 report-- 7#a7 on ! ef=ts ( ! ,c5t] =   
,innovation = ,c>e & ,paym5t ( !        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 fulfill+
 ! objectives & requirem5ts "u section  
#agjc;,e ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code1 z am5d$ by subsection 7a72 &     
7#b7 conta9+ su* recomm5dations z !     
,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate4
  7c7 ,pilot program  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n  
lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t

 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,c5t] = ,innovation =    
,c>e & ,paym5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs "u section #agjc;,e ( title    
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 %all e/abli% a
 ?ree-ye> pilot program 9 n few] ?an    
five locations to all[ vet]ans enroll$ 9
 ! sy/em ( annual pati5t enrollm5t ( !  
,dep>tm5t e/abli%$ & op]at$ "u section  
#agje7;a7 ( su* title to access         
outpati5t m5tal heal? & sub/ance use    
s]vices ?r\gh heal? c>e provid]s        
specifi$ "u section #agjc7;c7 ( su*     
title )\t ref]ral or pre-au?orization4  
7#b7 ,priority ,9 select+ sites = !     
pilot program "u p>agraph 7#a71 !       
,secret>y %all prioritize sites 9 !     
foll[+ areas3 7,a7 ,areas ) v>y+ degrees
 ( urbanization1 includ+ urban1 rural1 &
 highly rural areas4  7,b7 ,areas ) high
 rates ( suicide among vet]ans4  7,c7   
,areas ) high rates ( ov]dose dea?s     
among vet]ans4  7,d7 ,areas ) high rates
 ( calls to ! ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e4    
7,e7 ,areas ) long wait times = m5tal   
heal? & sub/ance use s]vices at         

facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7,f7 ,areas )
 outpati5t m5tal heal? & sub/ance use   
programs t utilize a value-bas$ c>e     
model1 to ! ext5t practicable4  7#c7    
,elem5ts ,! ,secret>y1 9 implem5t+ !    
pilot program "u p>agraph 7#a71 %all    
ensure ! ,dep>tm5t has a c>e coord9ation
 sy/em 9 place t includes-- 7,a7 k %>+1 
includ+ ! timely ex*ange ( m$ical       
docum5tation2  7,b7 assi/ance )         
transitions ( c>e1 includ+ ! pot5tial   
ne$ = inpati5t or resid5tial psy*iatric 
s]vices1 sub/ance use detoxification    
s]vices1 po/-detoxification /ep-d[n     
s]vices1 & resid5tial rehabilitation    
programs2  7,c7 cont9u\s assessm5t (    
pati5t ne$s & goals2 &  7,d7 creat+     
p]sonaliz$1 proactive c>e plans4  7#d7  
,ov]sight & outcomes ,! ,secret>y %all  
develop appropriate metrics & measures--
 7,a7 to track & ov]see sites at :i* !  
pilot program "u p>agraph 7#a7 is c>ri$ 
out2  7,b7 to monitor pati5t safety &   
outcomes "u ! pilot program2 &  7,c7 to 
assess & mitigate any b>ri]s to ext5d+ !

 pilot program across ! entire ,vet]ans 
,heal? ,adm9i/ration4  7#e7 ,annual     
report  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye>
 aft] ! comm5cem5t ( ! pilot program "u 
p>agraph 7#a71 & n less frequ5tly ?an   
annually !reaft] dur+ ! duration ( !    
pilot program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit  
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( 
! ,s5ate & ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on ! pilot program1 :i* %all     
include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! numb] ( unique 
vet]ans :o p>ticipat$ 9 ! pilot program4
  7ii7 ,! numb] ( heal? c>e provid]s :o 
p>ticipat$ 9 ! pilot program4  7iii7 ,an
 assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess ( ! pilot   
program 9 increas+ access to1 & improv+ 
outcomes =1 m5tal heal? & sub/ance use  
treatm5t s]vices4  7iv7 ,! co/ ( ! pilot
 program4  7v7 ,su* o!r matt]s z !      
,secret>y consid]s appropriate4  7,b7   
,f9al report ,! ,secret>y %all include 9
 ! f9al report submitt$ "u subp>agraph  
7,a71 9 addition to ! requirem5ts "u su*
 subp>agraph1 ! assessm5t by ! ,secret>y

 ( ! feasibility & advisability ( ext5d+
 ! pilot program across ! entire        
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ a
 plan1 timel9e1 & requir$ res\rces = su*
 an ext5sion4  7#f7 ,vet]ans crisis l9e 
def9$ ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m ,vet]ans 
,crisis ,l9e means ! toll-free hotl9e = 
vet]ans e/abli%$ "u section #agbj;,f7h7 
( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #cjc4
 ,reports  7a7 ,report on improvem5ts to
 cl9ical appeals process ,n lat] ?an "o 
ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1
 & n less frequ5tly ?an once e ?ree ye>s
 !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs1 9 consultation ) vet]ans      
s]vice organizations1 vet]ans1 c>egiv]s 
( vet]ans1 employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs1 & o!r /akehold]s z   
det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y1 %all submit to !
 ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,s5ate & ,committee on ,vet]ans'        
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report conta9+ recomm5dations =         
legislative or adm9i/rative action to   
improve ! cl9ical appeals process ( !   

,dep>tm5t ) respect to timel9ess1       
transp>5cy1 objectivity1 consi/5cy1 &   
fairness4  7b7 ,report on requir$ c>e & 
s]vices "u community c>e program ,n lat]
 ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (  
?is ,act1 & n less frequ5tly ?an        
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 conta9s1 = ! 
"o-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( ! report1 !
 foll[+3 7#a7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans        
eligible = c>e or s]vices "u section    
#agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
& ! reasons = su* eligibility1 includ+  
multiple su* reasons = vet]ans eligible 
"u m ?an "o eligibility crit]ia4  7#b7  
,! numb] ( vet]ans :o opt to seek c>e or
 s]vices "u su* section4  7#c7 ,! numb] 
( vet]ans :o d n opt to seek c>e or     
s]vices "u su* section4  7#d7 ,an       
assessm5t ( ! timel9ess ( ref]rals = c>e
 or s]vices "u su* section4  7#e7 ,!    
numb] ( times a vet]an did n %[ = an    

appo9tm5t = c>e or s]vices "u su*       
section4  7#f7 ,! numb] ( reque/s = an  
appeal ( a d5ial ( c>e or s]vices "u su*
 section us+ ! cl9ical appeals process (
 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4  7#g7 
,! timel9ess ( ea* su* appeal4  7#h7 ,! 
outcome ( ea* su* appeal4  7c7 ,vet]ans 
s]vice organization def9$ ,9 ?is        
section1 ! t]m vet]ans s]vice           
organization means any organization     
recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y "u section     
#eijb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4