Synopsis

This bill amends title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish annual mental health consultations to certain veterans, and for other purposes.

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act’’.

SECTION 2. MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS AND OUTREACH

1. A. Annual Consultation; Outreach

   The section 1167 of title 38, United States Code, relating to mental health consultations is amended—

   • 1. In subsection (a), in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘IN GENERAL’’ and inserting ‘‘INITIAL CONSULTATION’’;
   • 2. By redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;
   • 3. By inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):

   ‘‘(b) Annual Consultation; Outreach. Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall, with regards to a veteran who is receiving compensation under this chapter for a service-connected disability relating to a mental health diagnosis—
   ‘‘(1) offer a mental health consultation to assess the mental health needs of, and discuss other mental health care options for, the veteran; and
   ‘‘(2) conduct outreach regarding the availability of—
   ‘‘(A) consultations under paragraph (1); and
   ^B Other mental health services furnished by the Secretary.’’

2. B. Technical Corrections

   1. 1. Redesignation. Such section, as amended, is redesignated as section 1169 of such title.
   2. 2. Categorical Amendments. The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title is amended—
      • A. By striking the item relating to the section 1167 that relates to mental health consultations; and
      • B. By inserting after the item relating to section 1168 the following new item:

      ‘‘1169. Mental health consultations.’’

   3. C. GAO Review

      Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the effect of the amendments made by this section. Elements of such report shall include—

      1. 1. The number of veterans who received mental health consultations under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of section 1169 of such title; and
         ^B Outreach under paragraph (2) of such subsection;
      2. 2. Whether veterans reported barriers to seeking such consultations; and
         ^B Such barriers, if any.