Bill > S216

This bill, the Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Act of 2023 (RESPECT Act of 2023), aims to modify the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) family caregiver program to include services related to mental health and neurological disorders. The key provisions of the bill include: (1) expanding the family caregiver program to cover mental health and neurological conditions, (2) establishing a process for VA clinicians to document mental health crises and suicide risk assessments for eligible veterans, (3) requiring the participation of mental health professionals and neurological specialists in evaluating, assessing, and reassessing veterans' eligibility for the program, and (4) authorizing the VA to provide grants to entities to improve the provision of mental health support to family caregivers of veterans. The bill also requires a report from the Comptroller General on the availability and accessibility of mental health support for caregivers participating in VA caregiver programs.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/216/all-info