Medical Integrity in Necessary Diagnostics for Our Veterans Act of 2025; MIND Our Veterans Act of 2025
Summary
The Medical Integrity in Necessary Diagnostics for Our Veterans Act of 2025, or MIND Our Veterans Act of 2025, aims to improve mental health screening for members of the Armed Forces separating from service. It mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee to enhance mental health screening conducted during separation health assessments. The bill also calls for the inclusion of substance use screening and the full implementation of separation health assessments.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to more comprehensive mental health evaluations for transitioning service members. It will also require the Joint Executive Committee to validate existing mental health screens and consider incorporating substance use screening. The Department of Defense will also be required to fully implement the separation health assessment.
Potential Benefits
- Improved identification of mental health issues among transitioning service members.
- Use of validated screening tools for PTSD, alcohol use, and violence risk.
- Potential inclusion of substance use screening in separation health assessments.
- Better implementation of separation health assessments by the Department of Defense.
- Increased awareness and support for mental health challenges faced by veterans.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased administrative burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.
- Possible delays in separation processing due to more comprehensive screening.
- Costs associated with validating and implementing new screening tools.
- Risk of over-diagnosis or false positives with increased screening.
- Potential for increased demand on mental health services, straining existing resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause by aiming to support the mental health of veterans. While the Constitution does not explicitly address veterans' mental health, the government's responsibility to care for those who have served in the military can be inferred from its power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).