Bill > HR2623

This bill establishes a new program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create at least five Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence across the United States. These centers will focus on researching and treating specific medical conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, and substance use disorder, using emerging therapeutic approaches such as ketamine, psilocybin, and other novel treatments. The centers must meet rigorous criteria, including partnerships with accredited medical schools, the ability to attract top scientific talent, and the capability to develop a national data repository for these innovative treatments. A peer review panel of experts in innovative therapies will assess and select the medical facilities, ensuring that only those meeting the highest scientific and clinical standards are chosen. The bill authorizes $30 million annually to support research and education activities, and requires the VA to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the centers' activities, key findings, and recommendations for improving veteran healthcare. The goal is to provide veterans with cutting-edge, potentially transformative medical treatments that could help address complex health challenges.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2623/all-info