Bill > S1538

This bill establishes the Veteran Breakthrough Treatments Program to support innovative mental health treatments for veterans and first responders, focusing on therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression that have received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA. The program, to be managed by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Veterans' Services Office, will fund clinical research, treatment, and provider training. A new seven-member advisory council will be created to provide guidance on various aspects of the program, including grant awards, provider education, patient safety, treatment facility standards, and strategies to improve access to care. The council will include members appointed by the governor, senate president, and house speaker, with at least one veteran on each appointing body's nominations. The council will also include experts in mental health research, clinical treatment, public health, and veteran healthcare, with a specific focus on ensuring justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the program's implementation. The bill aims to address veteran mental health challenges by supporting innovative treatment approaches and improving access to potentially transformative therapies.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1538