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NJ AJR178
NJ AJR178Urges US Department of Veterans Affairs to study use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans.
summary
Introduced
05/16/2024
05/16/2024
In Committee
05/16/2024
05/16/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution urges the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to study the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans. While serving their country, military members can come across various traumatic events through circumstances such as war zone deployment, training accidents, and military sexual trauma. Among veterans using health care provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 23 percent had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their life. PTSD can cause chemical changes in the body's hormonal system and autonomic nervous system, as well as changes to brain activity and structure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been effective in treating disruptions of brain structure and functions, making it a potential alternative treatment for PTSD. In 2017, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs announced it would offer HBOT as a treatment option for a small group of veterans with PTSD symptoms resistant to standard treatments. Additionally, two evidence briefs on the use of HBOT to treat veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD in whom other treatments have not been successful were prepared for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. On April 16, 2024, legislation establishing a pilot program at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish HBOT for veterans who have PTSD or TBI passed the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health by voice vote. It is important that a study on the efficacy of HBOT be conducted to determine if the treatment will bring about beneficial changes for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who proudly serve the nation and risk their lives to protect our freedom.
AI Summary
This joint resolution urges the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The resolution highlights that 23 percent of veterans using VA healthcare have experienced PTSD, which can cause significant chemical and neurological changes, and many veterans do not respond well to current treatments. HBOT, a medical treatment where patients breathe oxygen at high pressure within a specialized chamber, has shown promise in addressing brain structure and function disruptions. The resolution notes that in 2017, the VA began offering HBOT to a small group of veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD symptoms, and subsequent evidence briefs have explored its potential effectiveness. The document emphasizes the importance of studying HBOT as an alternative treatment to potentially improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of service members who have risked their lives to protect national freedom. If passed, the resolution would require copies to be sent to New Jersey's congressional representatives, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the state's Adjutant General.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (10)
Shanique Speight (D)*,
Chris Tully (D)*,
Michael Venezia (D)*,
Alixon Collazos-Gill (D),
Dawn Fantasia (R),
Garnet Hall (D),
Carmen Morales (D),
Eliana Pintor Marin (D),
William Sampson (D),
Cleopatra Tucker (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 05/16/2024)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR178 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/178_I1.HTM |
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