ACT for Veterans Act

Hozzl · 2022-12-30T17:47:40Z

Explore the details of House Bill 3994 ACT for Veterans Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3994

Bill 117 HR 3994, also known as the ACT for Veterans Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to improve access to mental health services for veterans by expanding the eligibility criteria for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services.

Specifically, the ACT for Veterans Act aims to allow veterans who have received an other-than-honorable discharge to access mental health services through the VA. Currently, veterans with other-than-honorable discharges are not eligible for VA mental health services, even if they are experiencing mental health issues related to their military service.

The bill also includes provisions to increase outreach efforts to inform veterans of their eligibility for mental health services, as well as to improve coordination between the VA and community mental health providers. Additionally, the ACT for Veterans Act seeks to enhance training for VA mental health providers to better serve the unique needs of veterans. Overall, the ACT for Veterans Act is designed to address the mental health needs of veterans who may have been previously excluded from VA services due to their discharge status. By expanding eligibility criteria and improving access to mental health services, this bill aims to better support the mental well-being of our nation's veterans.

Congressional Summary of HR 3994

Addressing Care Timelines for Veterans Act or the ACT for Veterans Act

This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program to extend the authorization period for emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to deem as authorized emergency care or services provided by a non-VA health care provider to a covered veteran if such veteran applies for authorization within 96 hours (currently 72 hours under VA regulations) of admission for care. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system or those who are not enrolled but are eligible for care due to a service-connected disability.

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Current Status of Bill HR 3994

Bill HR 3994 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 17, 2021. Bill HR 3994 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 17, 2021. Bill HR 3994's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of September 30, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3994

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3994

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3994

ACT for Veterans Act

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the authorization period for emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities under the Veterans Community Care Program.

ACT for Veterans Act

Addressing Care Timelines for Veterans Act