H.R. 7049: Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act

This bill, titled the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act, aims to enhance support services for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The main focus of the bill is to ensure that veterans receive timely assessments of their needs and appropriate care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Below are the key components of the bill:

Assessment of Veterans

Under this bill, when a VA employee identifies a veteran who needs homeless program services, they are required to conduct an assessment within three days. This assessment must include:

• An evaluation of the veteran's physical and mental health needs.
• A plan to address both immediate and long-term health issues.
• Identification of suitable housing options for the veteran.

Inclusion in Electronic Health Records

The bill requires that the information gathered from these assessments be consistent with the veteran's existing electronic health record (EHR). Furthermore, it mandates that any personally identifiable information collected during the assessment must adhere to the VA's policies, federal laws, and ethical standards.

Monitoring Implementation

The Director of the Homeless Program Office is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the care plans developed from the assessments. This includes ensuring that homeless veterans and those at risk, particularly those with mental health issues, receive the appropriate services they need for both immediate support and long-term care.

Clerical Amendments

The bill also includes a clerical amendment that adds a new section number (2070) to the existing chapters in the United States Code regarding veterans' services, specifically relating to the assessment of veterans needing homeless program services.

Scope and Purpose

The overarching goal of this legislation is to improve coordination between mental health care services and housing support for homeless veterans, thereby facilitating better outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Relevant Companies

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