Bill Sponsor
House Bill 5697
116th Congress(2019-2020)
Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2020
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on Jan 28, 2020
Overview
Text
Introduced
Jan 28, 2020
Latest Action
Feb 7, 2020
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
5697
Congress
116
Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Armed Forces and National Security
Primary focus of measure is military operations and spending, facilities, procurement and weapons, personnel, intelligence; strategic materials; war and emergency powers; veterans’ issues. Measures concerning alliances and collective security, arms sales and military assistance, or arms control may fall under International Affairs policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
New Jersey
Democrat
Pennsylvania
Democrat
Virginia
Democrat
Washington
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Veterans' Acute Crisis Care for Emergent Suicide Symptoms Act of 2020 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2020

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish emergent mental health care (i.e., emergency stabilization care) to eligible individuals in certain situations at VA or non-VA facilities. Specifically, the VA must furnish care if an individual seeks it (1) in an emergency situation, or (2) pursuant to a recommendation from the Veterans Crisis Line or licensed health care professional.

Eligible individuals under the bill include veterans, persons enrolled in the VA health care system, and individuals who (1) were discharged or released from service under a condition other than honorable, (2) are not enrolled in the VA health care system, and (3) served for a period of more than 90 cumulative days.

For individuals receiving care, the VA must ensure the Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Office of Community Care. The VA must also determine the eligibility of the individuals for other VA programs and benefits and make referrals for follow-on care.

The VA may not charge an eligible individual for emergent mental health care and shall provide reimbursement to individuals who receive care at a non-VA facility.

The bill also expands eligibility for mental and behavioral health care for certain veterans who were discharged or released from service under a condition that is other than honorable and served in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 90 cumulative days.

Text (1)
January 28, 2020
Actions (3)
02/07/2020
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
01/28/2020
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
01/28/2020
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Aug 10, 2022 11:25:36 PM