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Veteran Support: Expanding Peer Specialist Program Nationwide

This act expands the peer specialist support program for veterans to all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. This means more veterans will have access to help and support from fellow veterans, potentially improving their health and well-being. The program will be gradually implemented in additional facilities, prioritizing rural and underserved areas.
Key points
Increased Access to Support: The peer specialist program will expand to all VA medical centers, increasing access to help for veterans.
Gradual Rollout: Over five years, the program will be implemented in an additional 25 medical centers annually until all facilities are covered.
Priority for Rural Areas: Medical centers in rural and underserved areas will be prioritized for program expansion.
Hiring Practices: The act mandates hiring female peer specialists for female veterans and aims to reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the veteran population among hired specialists.
Progress Reports: The Department will regularly report to Congress on the program's expansion and effectiveness.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4575
Sponsor: Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-52]
Process start date: 2021-07-20
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Veteran Peer Specialist Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4575.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-07-20.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Increased Access to Support: The peer specialist program will expand to all VA medical centers, increasing access to help for veterans.
  • Gradual Rollout: Over five years, the program will be implemented in an additional 25 medical centers annually until all facilities are covered.
  • Priority for Rural Areas: Medical centers in rural and underserved areas will be prioritized for program expansion.
  • Hiring Practices: The act mandates hiring female peer specialists for female veterans and aims to reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the veteran population among hired specialists.
  • Progress Reports: The Department will regularly report to Congress on the program's expansion and effectiveness.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-52].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits