H.R.1947 - Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act; TREAT PTSD Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1947, the TREAT PTSD Act, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to provide stellate ganglion block (SGB) to veterans and members of the Armed Forces diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill mandates updates to clinical practice guidelines to reflect SGB as a therapy option.
The bill amends Title 38 and Title 10 of the United States Code to include provisions for SGB therapy. It also requires notification to congressional committees regarding guideline updates.
The Act aims to improve mental healthcare access for veterans and active service members suffering from PTSD by incorporating an emerging treatment option.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase access to stellate ganglion block (SGB) treatment for veterans and active members of the armed forces diagnosed with PTSD. This could lead to improved mental health outcomes for those who elect to receive the treatment.
Furthermore, the required updates to clinical practice guidelines may promote greater awareness and understanding of SGB as a potential therapy for PTSD within the medical community. The bill will require additional resources and training for healthcare providers within the VA and DoD systems.
Ultimately, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive and accessible mental healthcare for veterans and service members.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to a potentially effective treatment for PTSD (stellate ganglion block).
- Improved mental health outcomes for veterans and active service members.
- Updated clinical guidelines reflecting the latest therapy options.
- Enhanced awareness and understanding of PTSD treatment options within the medical community.
- Better integration of mental healthcare within the VA and DoD systems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with providing stellate ganglion block treatment on a large scale.
- Risks associated with the medical procedure itself, although these are generally considered minimal.
- Possible administrative burden of implementing the new provisions within the VA and DoD.
- The treatment may not be effective for all individuals with PTSD.
- Over-reliance on a single treatment modality without addressing underlying causes of PTSD.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). By improving the mental health of veterans and active service members, the bill supports their well-being and readiness.
Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8), and this bill can be seen as a measure to care for those serving in the military. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Furthermore, the bill falls under Congress's authority to legislate for the armed forces and veterans.
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).