S.702 - Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.702, the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, mandates a study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction therapy care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA providers. The study will be conducted by an independent organization and must be completed within 18 months of the agreement. The results will be reported to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs and published on a public website.
Expected Effects
This bill aims to identify potential disparities in the quality of care between VA and non-VA providers, specifically in mental health and addiction therapy. The study's findings could lead to improvements in VA healthcare services for veterans. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure veterans receive the best possible care, regardless of where they seek treatment.
Potential Benefits
- Improved quality of mental health and addiction therapy care for veterans.
- Identification of best practices in both VA and non-VA settings.
- Enhanced coordination between VA and non-VA providers.
- Increased patient satisfaction with care.
- Better integration of care for veterans with co-occurring conditions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with conducting the study.
- Possible delays in implementing improvements based on the study's findings.
- Risk that the study may not identify significant differences in care quality.
- The study relies on the objectivity and independence of the selected organization; any bias could skew results.
- No direct enforcement mechanism is included to ensure identified gaps are addressed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare, which includes ensuring veterans receive adequate healthcare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).