H.R. 2942: What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act

This bill, titled the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act, aims to enhance suicide prevention efforts for veterans by establishing standard practices for certain programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Health Administration. Below is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

1. Establishment of Standard Practices

The bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to establish regulations regarding grant and pilot programs related to suicide prevention and mental health services for veterans. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be responsible for implementing these regulations and ensuring they provide a structured framework for program operation.

2. Key Requirements of the Regulations

The regulations established by the Secretary must include the following:

• Clear and Measurable Objectives: Programs must have defined goals that are specific and quantifiable.
• Program Evaluation Methodology: A method must be developed to:
  • Identify necessary information for evaluating the program.
  • Determine how and when to collect this information.
  • Analyze the collected information to assess the program's effectiveness and derive lessons learned.
  • Establish criteria to inform decisions regarding the future of the program, including expansion or permanence.
• Communication Requirements: The Secretary must communicate the program's objectives, evaluation methodology, and plans to relevant entities:
  • During program development.
  • At least 30 days before the program begins.
  • Throughout the program's duration.
• Performance Evaluation: At the end of each program, an evaluation must be conducted to:
  • Validate lessons learned.
  • Assess whether the program’s findings can be applied in other contexts.
• Sharing Results: The results and best practices from the programs must be shared with relevant entities to inform future efforts.

3. Timeline for Implementation

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to establish these regulations within 180 days after the bill is enacted, ensuring prompt initiation of the program standards.

4. Applicability

The established standard practices will apply to all relevant grants or pilot programs, regardless of when these programs were initiated, creating a consistent framework across the board.

Relevant Companies

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