Mike Bost
Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
The complete record
Every one of 1,905 lines we hold for Mike Bost, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 12 of 39.
“(3) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may be construed to-- (A) prohibit a grant recipient from seeking reimbursement from non-Department payers for mental health services provided by the grant recipient, except that grant funds shall not be used to supplant or duplicate a reimbursement otherwise available under Federal law; or (B) authorize double billing or duplicate payments for the same clinical service or unit of service. (4) Spouse and dependent care.--A recipient may use grant funds to provide care to spouses and dependent children of a veteran when such services are integral to achieving a successful clinical outcome.”
“(2) Limitations on use of grant funds.--The recipient of a grant under the pilot program may not-- (A) charge an eligible veteran a fee associated with the receipt of mental health care funded by such grant; (B) refuse to provide mental health care to an eligible veteran on the basis that the veteran is not eligible for reimbursement for such care under another payer source; or (C) use grant funds to-- (i) duplicate payments made under any contract or agreement to which the Department is a party as of the date of the enactment of this Act; or (ii) pay for the same clinical services or service units that are otherwise billable to a Federal payer, including the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, or any other public or private health plan.”
“(c) Use of Funds.-- (1) In general.--The recipient of a grant under the pilot program shall use the grant-- (A) to deliver evidence-based mental health care for veterans in person or via telehealth; (B) to operate or expand an existing outpatient mental health facility or establish a new outpatient mental health facility for the purpose of providing such care; (C) to encourage veterans who are eligible for enrollment in the patient enrollment system under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, to enroll in such system and to receive medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs; (D) to support activities necessary to deliver or sustain care, including-- (i) outreach; [[Page H4568]] (ii) care coordination; (iii) veteran engagement; (iv) clinician training; (v) implementation support; and (vi) program evaluation; and (E) to support continuous quality improvement and outcomes measurement activities, including the collection and reporting of clinical outcomes and operational metrics; and (F) to support activities of the program that are not billable, reimbursable, or otherwise authorized by law, including-- (i) outreach; (ii) care coordination; (iii) engagement; (iv) implementation support; and (v) program evaluation; and (G) to provide services to individuals for which reimbursement is not otherwise available, including such individuals who are-- (i) uninsured; (ii) ineligible for health care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs; or (iii) in receipt of health care that is not reimbursable as of the date of the enactment of this Act.”
“(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, a mental health care provider shall-- (1) be a non-profit organization; (2) have operated at least one outpatient mental health facility in the United States for a continuous period of at least three years; (3) be licensed or certified under applicable state law to provide outpatient mental health services; (4) be accredited by-- (A) the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; (B) the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities; or (C) any other nationally recognized accrediting body the Secretary determines appropriate; and (5) submit to the Secretary an application that includes such information and assurances as the Secretary may require, including-- (A) an identification of the outpatient facility or facilities where the mental health care services will be provided; (B) a plan for providing clinicians at each facility in receipt of grant funds with units of continuing education with respect to veterans issues; and (C) an identification of the percentage of the operating budget for each such facility that was provided through Federal grants during the fiscal year preceding the year during which the application is submitted.”
“(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a three-year pilot program under which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible mental health care providers for the provision of mental health care, including evidence-based mental health care delivered in person or via telehealth.”
“(D) A market assessment of available hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities or units within facilities to assess the most effective locations and practices, including-- (i) an analysis of whether multi-person chambers could reduce per-veteran costs; (ii) an analysis of areas with lower prices compared to a national average; and (iii) an identification of not fewer than two VISNs in which the provision or furnishing of hyperbaric oxygen therapy would benefit the most number of veterans at the lowest cost to the Department. SEC. 308. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FOR THE PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS.”
“(2) Elements.--The review conducted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An analysis of available research literature published after the review completed pursuant to section 702 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (Public Law 116-171); (B) An assessment of the current parameters for research on the use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including-- (i) tests and questionnaires used to determine the efficacy of such therapy; and (ii) metrics for determining the success of such therapy. (C) A comparative analysis of tests and questionnaires used to study post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in other research conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, other Federal agencies, and entities outside the Federal Government.”
“Such report shall include the assessment of the Comptroller General of clinical trials conducted, since the publication of such report-- (1) regarding the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder; and (2) by-- (A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (B) the Secretary of Defense; and (C) private entities. (b) Follow-up Study.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a systematic review of published research literature on the off-label use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat post- traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among veterans and nonveterans.”
“REPORTS ON THE USE OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY. (a) GAO Report on the Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an update to the report titled ``Research on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'' (GAO-16-154).”
“(n) Eligible Individuals.--Subsection (q)(4)(C) of such section is amended by striking ``clauses (i) through (iv)'' and inserting ``clauses (i) through (vi)''. (o) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on-- (1) the effective date of award following the date the Secretary publishes a notice of funding opportunity for the program required by section 201(a) of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-171; (38 U.S.C. 1720F)), if the Secretary determines such amendments do not require rulemaking; or (2) the effective date of award following the date the Secretary publishes a notice of funding opportunity following the effective date of subsequent rulemaking, if the Secretary determines such amendments do require rulemaking. SEC. 307.”
“(m) Suicide Prevention Services.-- (1) Required use of certain screening protocol.--Subsection (q)(11)(A)(ii) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``In the case of a recipient of a grant awarded under this section on or after the date of the enactment of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, such screening shall be Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)) or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), or a successor screening tool selected by the Secretary.''; (2) Transportation.--Subsection (q)(11)(A) of such section is amended-- (A) by redesignating clause (xi) as clause (xii); and (B) by inserting after clause (x) the following new clause: ``(xi) Transportation and rideshare services for eligible individuals to use for appointments.''.”
“(l) Identification of Demand for Other Services and Support.--Subsection (e) of such section, as amended, is further amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively; and (2) by adding after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: ``(5) Demand for other services and support.--An entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary information concerning-- ``(A) the number of individuals seeking services from the entity who are not eligible individuals and the most common reason such individuals are not eligible individuals; ``(B) a description of the types of services that eligible individuals or individuals described in subparagraph (A) require based on any screening conducted by the entity; and ``(C) any actions taken by the entity to provide the services described in subparagraph (B) or to refer the individual or eligible individual to another entity for the receipt of such services.''.”
“(j) Reauthorization.--Subsection (p) of such section is amended-- (1) by striking ``section a total'' and inserting ``section-- ``(1) a total''; (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) a total of $200,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.''. (k) Technical Correction to Definitions.--Subsection (q)(5) of such section is amended, in the first sentence-- (1) by striking ``Medical services'' and inserting ``The term `emergency treatment' means medical services''; and (2) by striking ``was rendered'' and inserting ``rendered''.”
“(i) Referral for Care.--Subsection (m) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Required response or action.--(A) If the Secretary receives a referral under paragraph (1) for additional care, the Secretary shall review such referral and contact the veteran not later than 72-hours following the referral. ``(B) If the Secretary receives a referral under paragraph (2) for emergent suicide care, the Secretary shall review such referral and contact the veteran not later than 24 hours following the referral by such entity under subsection (m)(1).''.”
“(h) Reports.--Subsection (k)(2) is amended-- (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Final report'' and inserting ``Annual reports''; and (2) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as (v) and (vi), respectively; and (B) by adding the following new clauses (iii) and (iv): ``(iii) A description of the Secretary's compliance with the requirement to train employees of the Department under subsection (g)(3). ``(iv) An optional description and inclusion of subjective or narrative stories of community or individual impact to allow grant recipients to share meaningful accomplishments.''.”
“(f) Briefing for Local VAMCS.--Subsection (h) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) Briefing for local vamcs.--Not less frequently than once per year, unless the Secretary determines that such frequency is not advisable, the Secretary shall provide, to the appropriate personnel of each medical center of the Department identified on the grantee's application under this section, a briefing about the grant program under this section in order to improve coordination between such recipient and personnel.''. [[Page H4567]] (g) Duration.--Subsection (j) of such section is amended by striking ``September 30, 2026'' and inserting ``September 30, 2029''.”
“(e) Training and Technical Assistance.--Subsection (g) of such section is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or interested in receiving such grants,'' after ``this section''; and (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, including training on how to properly use the Columbia Protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)) and other screening tools selected by the Secretary'' after ``management''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(3) Training for department employees.--The Secretary shall provide training to employees of the Department as the Secretary considers appropriate on the grant program under this section.''.”
“``(7) Metrics and outcomes.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall collect and submit to the Secretary such metrics and outcome data as the Secretary may require, including-- ``(A) throughput measures, including the number of veterans screened, referred, connected to care, and retained in services under the grant program; ``(B) reductions in severity scale measurements, including reductions in suicidality identified through applicable inventories or assessments; and ``(C) such other quantifiable metrics as the Secretary determines appropriate.''.”
“(d) Requirements for Receipt of Grants.--Subsection (e) of such section is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3)-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): ``(B) coordinate with the Secretary to develop a plan for communication between the entity and local mental health providers of the Department regarding whether veterans receiving assistance under this section from the entity are attending appointments to ensure continuity of care;''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(6) Assessments.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall conduct a pre- and post-intervention assessment with respect to each eligible individual who receives suicide prevention services pursuant to such grant across all relevant metrics, as determined by the Secretary.”
“(c) Priority for New Recipients.--Subsection (d) of such section is amended-- (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``and Preference'' and inserting ``, Preference, and Priority''; (2) in paragraph (1)(A)-- (A) in clause (iv), by striking the semi-colon at the end and inserting ``; and''; (B) by striking clause (v); and (C) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (v); and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Priority for new recipients.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall prioritize grants for eligible entities that have satisfied the requirements provided under subsection (f) and are located in States in which a grant has not been awarded under this section.''.”
“``(B) Additional amounts.--Based on a consideration of the factors described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may award amounts, not to exceed $250,000 per grantee per fiscal year, to a grantee in addition to the maximum amount under paragraph (2)(A) based on a performance-based metric established by the Secretary.''.”
“(b) Use of Grant Funds.--Subsection (c) of such section is amended-- (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``; Use of Grant Funds'' after ``Grants''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(3) Renewal of grant amounts.-- ``(A) In general.--In determining whether to renew a grant awarded under this section to an eligible entity, the Secretary shall consider, among such other factors as the Secretary may consider appropriate-- ``(i) the compliance by the eligible entity in administering pre- and post-intervention assessments required under subsection (e)(6); and ``(ii) any demonstrated improvements in participant outcomes.”
“Section 1701 of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (6)(F)(i), by inserting ``(including adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities that are determined to be clinically appropriate by the Secretary)'' after ``artificial limbs''. SEC. 306. MODIFICATIONS TO AND REAUTHORIZATION OF STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Coordination by Secretary.--Subsection (b) of section 201 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-171; 38 U.S.C. 1720F note) is amended by striking the second sentence.”
“(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Title 38, United States Code, is further amended as follows: (1) In section 7410(a)(1), by-- (A) by striking ``retention allowances'' and inserting ``retention bonuses''; and (B) by striking the second comma after ``section 7401(1) of this title''; and (2) In section 7431(e)(5)(B), by striking ``retention allowances'' and inserting ``retention bonuses''. SEC. 305. INCLUSION OF ADAPTIVE PROSTHESES AND TERMINAL DEVICES FOR SPORTS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MEDICAL SERVICES FURNISHED TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.”
“``(b) Coordination of Care.--In providing care under this section, traveling physicians shall coordinate with non- Department medical providers to the extent practicable and necessary to ensure high quality and coordinated care for veterans receiving hospital care and medical services. ``(c) Pay.--In addition to pay under section 7431 of this title, the Secretary shall provide a relocation or retention bonus to traveling physicians under this section. Such relocation or retention bonus shall be substantially similar to a relocation or retention bonus offered under section 7410(a) of this title, as the Secretary considers appropriate.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7414 the following new item: ``7415. Traveling physicians.''.”
“A physician assigned to serve as a traveling physician under this section may be assigned to provide health care to veterans residing in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or the Freely Associated States (as such term is defined in section 1724(f) of this title), or any other territory or possession of the United States at Department facilities or other approved facilities located in such territory, possession, or Freely Associated State. ``(2) The Secretary may assign multiple physicians to serve as traveling physicians under this section and may assign each such physician to serve in a specific territory or possession.”
“ASSIGNMENT OF TRAVELING PHYSICIANS TO SERVE TERRITORIES, POSSESSIONS, AND FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 7415. Traveling physicians ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary may assign a physician appointed under section 7401 or section 7431 of this title to serve as a traveling physician for a period of not more than one year at a time.”
“(d) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The terms ``chronic mild traumatic brain injury'' and ``mTBI'' mean a mild traumatic brain injury with symptoms that persist for not fewer than six months after the inciting injury, as determined using validated clinical criteria. (2) The term ``nonprofit organization''-- (A) means an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and (B) includes such an organization that is a hospital, nonprofit health system, academic medical center, or clinic that delivers neurorehabilitation care or conducts clinical research relating to mTBI. (3) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 304.”
“Each such report shall include-- (1) the findings of the studies under subsection (a)(6)(B); (2) a description of any agreement entered into by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)(A); (3) recommendations of the Secretary with respect to policy and programmatic improvements to services of the Department to treat mTBI among veterans; (4) any findings derived from surveys conducted under subsection (b)(5)(D), including any recommendations of the Secretary for improvements to the structure, oversight, administration, or performance of the independent organization that enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)(A); and (5) such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate.”
“(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to carry out this subsection. [[Page H4566]] (7) Termination date.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out the research grant program under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Reports to Congress.--Not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary commences the research grant program under subsection (a), and on an annual basis thereafter until the termination date specified in paragraph (8) of such subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the grant programs under subsections (a) and (b).”
“(D) Surveys.--The Secretary may conduct surveys of any independent organization that enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subparagraph (A) in order to assess the effectiveness of such organization in administering the research grant program under this subsection. (6) Available amounts; authorization of appropriations.-- (A) Available amounts.--The Secretary may use amounts available to the Secretary for the operating budget of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to carry out the research grant program under this subsection, if the use of such amounts supplements, and does not supplant, amounts otherwise available for Department programs and services.”
“(C) Report.--An agreement under subparagraph (A) shall include a requirement that the independent organization submits to Congress and the Secretary a comprehensive report that includes-- (i) the findings of the studies required under such agreement; (ii) recommendations with respect to the expansion of successful TBI treatment methodologies and standard of care recommendations, if any, developed pursuant to the research grant program; and (iii) to the extent available from the reports and study materials of grant recipients, a summary of-- (I) the durability of outcomes at approximately six months following completion of treatment, if collected under the applicable clinical protocol; (II) adverse events and serious adverse events, including self-harm or suicide-related events, if collected under the applicable clinical protocol or in the ordinary course of care; and (III) aggregate expenditures of grant funds, including administrative or overhead costs.”
“(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary, or an independent organization that enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subparagraph (A), to require prior approval of, or changes to, any clinical protocol, study design, outcome measures, or follow-up schedule established by an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section, except as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety.”
“(5) Agreement with independent organization.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with an independent organization that is not a component of the Department and that has demonstrated expertise in randomized controlled trials, neurorehabilitation outcomes evaluation, and research integrity, under which the organization agrees to-- (i) administer the research grant program under this subsection; (ii) carry out studies and implement efforts that include-- (I) analyzing data from mTBI treatment methodologies developed pursuant to the research grant program to assess the effect, among veterans, of such methodologies on enhanced brain health outcomes, mental health, and long-term recovery, including, to the extent outcomes are collected under the applicable clinical protocol, durability of outcomes at approximately six months following completion of treatment; (II) identifying data-driven best practices and providing recommendations for further research or clinical application, including recommendations for dissemination to Veterans Health Administration clinicians and facilities (as appropriate); and (III) randomized, controlled clinical trials to-- (aa) validate and deliver treatments; (bb) establish a standard of care; and (cc) improve access to such treatments for veterans; (iii) submit to the Secretary not less frequently than annually a report describing activities carried out under this section, including outcome data and methodology; and (iv) make available to the Secretary all data and findings from the grants made under this section, consistent with applicable Federal law, regulation, and Department policies relating to patient protections, data security, and privacy.”
“(C) Enforcement authority.--The Secretary may suspend, modify, or terminate a grant awarded under this subsection, if the Secretary determines that the recipient of such grant has failed to comply with the applicable terms and conditions of the grant.”
“(4) Administration.-- (A) Grant categories.--In carrying out the grant program under this subsection, each fiscal year the Secretary shall-- (i) subject to the requirement under subparagraph (B), award four grants for exploratory or pilot research and treatment projects, each of which shall be in an amount of not more than $625,000; and (ii) award five grants for collaborative or multidisciplinary research and treatment initiatives, each of which shall be in an amount of not more than $1,500,000. (B) Priority.--Of the grants awarded under subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary shall award not fewer than three to nonprofit organizations.”
“(3) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary determines appropriate, including a summary of-- (A) the research and treatment activities proposed to be carried out using grant funds; (B) the methodology to be used for such activities; (C) the expected outcomes of such activities; (D) how the eligible entity will coordinate, as practicable, with Veterans Health Administration facilities for referral and continuity of care for veterans who participate in activities carried out using grant funds, and for dissemination of aggregate findings; (E) the budget of the entity for the use of the grant, including a narrative justification and an identification of the estimated amount of grant funds to be used for administrative or overhead costs; and (F) assurances of compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety.”
“(B) An academic institution that conducts significant research on traumatic brain injury and has demonstrated the capability to conduct clinical trials relating to neurorehabilitation treatments. (C) A partnership or consortium of two or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).”
“(b) Department of Veterans Affairs Grant Program for Independent Third-party Research Studies and Treatment With Respect to Supplemental Neurorehabilitation Treatments for MTBI.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish and carry out a research grant program to award grants to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) to be used to carry out studies and applied programs on approaches and methodologies for the treatment of mTBI in veterans. (2) Eligible entities described.--An eligible entity described in this paragraph is any of the following: (A) A nonprofit organization that has demonstrated the capability to conduct clinical trials and to evaluate traumatic brain injury treatments through patient care delivery.”
“(7) Duration; annual review.-- (A) Duration.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out the grant program under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, except that the Secretary may continue to use amounts made available to carry out this section after such date solely for the purpose of administering activities and obligations incurred before such termination date. (B) Annual review.--During such three-year period, the Secretary shall, on an annual basis, review the effectiveness of the grant program to determine the potential of such grant program for continuation or expansion.”
“(6) Available amounts; authorization of appropriations.-- (A) Available amounts.--The Secretary may carry out the program under this section using amounts available to the Secretary for general mental health care programs, if the use of such amounts supplements, and does not supplant, amounts otherwise available for Department mental health and traumatic brain injury programs. (B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to carry out this section.”
“(E) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require prior approval of, or changes to, any clinical protocol, study design, outcome measures, or follow-up schedule of an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section, except as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety. (F) Enforcement authority.--The Secretary may suspend, modify, or terminate a grant awarded under this section, if the Secretary determines that the recipient of such grant has failed to comply with reporting requirements under subparagraph (B) or other applicable terms and conditions of the grant.”
“(D) Oversight; annual evaluations.--The Secretary shall-- (i) ensure rigorous oversight of the grant program under this section, including by monitoring financial compliance and timely receipt of the reports required under subparagraph (B); and (ii) on an annual basis until the termination date specified in paragraph (9)(A), evaluate the efficacy of activities carried out using grant funds based on the reports submitted under subparagraph (B) and other appropriate information.”
“(C) Periodic reports.--As a condition of receiving a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall, not less frequently than annually during the grant period and not later than 180 days after the end of the grant period, submit to the Secretary a report that includes, with respect to the period covered by the report-- [[Page H4565]] (i) a description of how the eligible entity used such grant; (ii) a summary of the progress of activities funded with amounts from such grant; (iii) measured outcomes relating to such activities; (iv) a detailed accounting of expenditures of grant funds, including administrative or overhead costs; (v) to the extent collected under the applicable clinical protocol or in the ordinary course of care, a description of any adverse events and serious adverse events, including self-harm or suicide-related events; and (vi) a description of actions taken pursuant to the coordination plan described in subparagraph (A)(iv).”
“(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that have demonstrated the capacity to coordinate with the Department to facilitate referral and continuity of care for veterans who participate in activities carried out using grant funds.”
“(4) Limitation on grant amount.--The Secretary may not award an eligible entity a grant under this section in an amount that exceeds $5,000,000 for any fiscal year. (5) Program administration.-- (A) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary determines appropriate, including a detailed description of-- (i) activities proposed to be conducted using the grant; (ii) expected outcomes of such activities; (iii) plans for evaluating the effectiveness of such activities; (iv) how the eligible entity will coordinate, as practicable, with Veterans Health Administration facilities for referral and continuity of care for veterans who participate in activities carried out using grant funds, and for dissemination of aggregate findings; (v) the budget of the entity for the use of the grant, including a narrative justification and an identification of the estimated amount of grant funds to be used for administrative or overhead costs; and (vi) assurances of compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations relating to human subjects protections and patient safety.”
“(3) Use of funds.--An eligible entity in receipt of a grant under this subsection shall use such grant to support activities that include-- (A) designing and testing novel or integrative treatments for mTBI that prioritize patient-centered care, including non-pharmacological therapies; (B) conducting clinical studies and assessments to measure the effectiveness of funded approaches to-- (i) improve mental health outcomes among veterans; (ii) reduce suicidality, and common risk factors for completing suicide, including depression and substance use disorders among veterans; and (iii) mitigate long-term effects of mTBI and, to the extent outcomes are collected under the applicable clinical protocol, measure durability of outcomes at approximately six months following completion of treatment; (C) providing training for clinicians and outreach to veterans and their families to improve awareness and accessibility of innovative mTBI treatments, including information on available Department resources and pathways to access such resources; and (D) establishing partnerships with community organizations, academic institutions, and health care facilities, including, as practicable, coordination with Veterans Health Administration facilities to facilitate referral of eligible veterans, continuity of care, and dissemination of aggregate findings.”
“(B) An academic institution that conducts significant research on mTBI and has demonstrated capability to conduct clinical trials relating to neurorehabilitation treatments. (C) A non-Department health care provider with expertise in neurorehabilitative therapies and demonstrated capability to conduct clinical trials and to evaluate mTBI treatments through patient care delivery. (D) A partnership or consortium of two or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).”
“(B) Relationship to other department activities.--The grant program required under subparagraph (A) shall be carried out in a manner that-- (i) supplements, and does not supplant, other clinical care and research of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to mTBI; and (ii) facilitates, as practicable, coordination with Veterans Health Administration facilities for referral, continuity of care, and dissemination of findings. (2) Eligible entities described.--An eligible entity described in this paragraph is any of the following: (A) A nonprofit organization with demonstrated capability to conduct clinical trials and to deliver or research effective neurorehabilitation treatments for mTBI, including through patient care delivery.”
“SEC. 303. VETERANS TBI BREAKTHROUGH EXPLORATION OF ADAPTIVE CARE OPPORTUNITIES NATIONWIDE ACT. (a) Department of Veterans Affairs Grant Program for Supplemental Neurorehabilitation Approaches to Chronic Mild TBI Treatment.-- (1) Grant program.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a three-year program (to be known as the ``TBI Innovation Grant Program'') under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) for the development, implementation, and evaluation of approaches and methodologies for prospective randomized control trials for neurorehabilitation treatments for the treatment of chronic mild traumatic brain injury (in this Act referred to as ``mTBI'') in veterans.”