US HB203 | 2015-2016 | 114th Congress

Status

Completed Legislative Action
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 26-13-1)
Status: Passed on February 12 2015 - 100% progression
Action: 2015-04-23 - By Senator Isakson from Committee on Veterans' Affairs filed written report. Report No. 114-34.
Text: Latest bill text (Enrolled) [PDF]

Summary

Clay Hunt SAV Act Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) arrange for an independent third party evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and each fiscal year thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs; and (2) submit a report to Congress, by December 1, 2018, and each year thereafter, containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to Congress and any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate. Directs the Secretary to submit interim reports to Congress by September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2017, on the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to survey the VA's websites and information resources to publish a website that serves as a centralized source to provide veterans with information, updated at least once every 90 days, regarding the VA's mental health care services. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the education loans relating to psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who: are eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine; demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA; and agree to a period of two or more years of obligated service with the VHA in the field of psychiatric medicine, as determined by the Secretary. Limits the loan repayment to no more than $30,000 for each year an individual performs such obligated service, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to submit interim and final reports to Congress on such pilot program. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to establish a three-year pilot program at not less than five Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) to assist veterans transitioning from active duty and to improve the access of veterans to mental health services. Requires the pilot program at each VISN to include: (1) a community oriented veteran peer support network carried out in partnership with an entity that has experience in peer support programs, and (2) a community outreach team for each medical center in such VISN. Directs the Secretary to submit interim and final reports to Congress on such pilot program. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to collaborate with nonprofit mental health organizations to prevent suicide among veterans. Requires the Secretary and any such organization to exchange training sessions and best practices. Directs the Secretary to select a VA Director of Suicide Prevention Coordination to undertake any collaboration with nonprofit mental health organizations. (Sec. 7) Extends for one year combat veterans' eligibility for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for illnesses that have not been medically proven to be attributable to their service, provided they: (1) were discharged or released from active duty between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2011, and (2) did not enroll to receive such care during the five-year period of eligibility following their discharge. (Sec. 8) Prohibits the authorization of any additional appropriations to carry out this Act's provisions.

Tracking Information

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Title

Clay Hunt SAV Act Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act

Sponsors


Roll Calls

2015-02-03 - Senate - On Passage of the Bill H.R. 203 (Y: 99 N: 0 NV: 1 Abs: 0) [PASS]
2015-01-12 - House - On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass (Y: 403 N: 0 NV: 29 Abs: 0) [PASS]

History

DateChamberAction
2015-04-23SenateBy Senator Isakson from Committee on Veterans' Affairs filed written report. Report No. 114-34.
2015-02-12SenateBecame Public Law No: 114-2. (TXT | PDF)
2015-02-12SenateSigned by President.
2015-02-11SenatePresented to President.
2015-02-03SenateMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
2015-02-03SenatePassed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99 - 0. Record Vote Number: 50.
2015-02-03SenateMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S716-720)
2015-01-21SenatePlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 6.
2015-01-21SenateCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson without amendment. Without written report.
2015-01-21SenateCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
2015-01-13SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2015-01-12HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 403 - 0 (Roll no. 17). (text: CR H196-198)
2015-01-12HouseMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2015-01-12HouseConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H204-205)
2015-01-12HouseAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2015-01-12HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 203.
2015-01-12HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H196-201)
2015-01-12HouseMr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2015-01-07HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Health.
2015-01-07HouseReferred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2015-01-07HouseIntroduced in House

Same As/Similar To

SB167 (Related) 2015-01-13 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Subjects


US Congress State Sources


Bill Comments

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