Expanding Veteran Access to Timely Community Mental Health Care.
This act aims to ensure veterans receive timely access to residential mental health and substance-use treatment outside the VA system when VA facilities are unable to accommodate them or meet required access standards. It expands eligibility for the Veterans Community Care Program, directly addressing long wait times for critical mental health services. Furthermore, veterans gain more freedom to choose their preferred treatment option.
Key points
Veterans gain access to community mental health and substance-use residential treatment if the VA cannot provide timely priority admission or meet specialty care access standards.
The VA cannot deny community care solely because its own facilities fail to meet established wait times or access standards.
Community facilities providing these services must meet minimum state licensing and accreditation standards.
Veterans are granted the right to choose their preferred care option when multiple choices are available.
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