summary
Introduced
01/04/2013
01/04/2013
In Committee
01/22/2013
01/22/2013
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2015
01/03/2015
Introduced Session
113th Congress
Bill Summary
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of service dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires such program to be carried out at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers that can provide training areas for such purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a pilot program to assess how training and handling service dogs can help veterans with disabilities manage symptoms of post-deployment mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program will be conducted at three to five VA medical centers over five years, with each center required to have dedicated indoor and outdoor training areas, classroom space, and facilities for storing equipment, all of which must be wheelchair accessible. The program will be managed by the VA's Recreation Therapy Service and will involve certified service dog training instructors with experience working with veterans who have PTSD. The bill also specifies that dogs from shelters or foster homes can be considered for the program, provided they meet temperament and health standards, and that all dogs will be taught essential service dog skills. Veterans with PTSD or other post-deployment mental health conditions can volunteer, and the program aims to maximize therapeutic benefits for them while providing well-trained service dogs. The Secretary will collect data to measure the program's effectiveness in areas such as reducing stigma, improving emotional regulation, and fostering a sense of purpose, and will report findings and recommendations to Congress annually.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (50)
Michael Grimm (R)*,
Spencer Bachus (R),
Lou Barletta (R),
Timothy Bishop (D),
Larry Bucshon (R),
G. Butterfield (D),
Tony Cárdenas (D),
André Carson (D),
Judy Chu (D),
David Cicilline (D),
Lacy Clay (D),
Howard Coble (R),
Gerry Connolly (D),
William Enyart (D),
Tulsi Gabbard (D),
Christopher Gibson (R),
Al Green (D),
Richard Hanna (R),
Alcee Hastings (D),
Jim Himes (D),
Walter Jones (R),
Peter King (R),
Leonard Lance (R),
Daniel Lipinski (D),
Frank LoBiondo (R),
David Loebsack (D),
Daniel Maffei (D),
Carolyn Maloney (D),
Sean Maloney (D),
Tom Marino (R),
Carolyn McCarthy (D),
Betty McCollum (D),
Michael Michaud (D),
James Moran (D),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D),
Richard Nugent (R),
Pedro Pierluisi (I),
Mark Pocan (D),
David Price (D),
Charles Rangel (D),
Jon Runyan (R),
Loretta Sanchez (D),
Adam Schiff (D),
Carol Shea-Porter (D),
Kyrsten Sinema (I),
Steve Stivers (R),
Eric Swalwell (D),
Ed Whitfield (R),
Rob Wittman (R),
Rob Woodall (R),
Last Action
Subcommittee Hearings Held. (on 03/27/2014)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr183ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr183ih.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/183/all-info |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr183ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr183ih.pdf.pdf |
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