Bill > S3245

This bill aims to improve mental health screening for military service members during their separation from the Armed Forces. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee to modify existing mental health screenings to ensure they are validated tools, including screens for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use, and violence risk. The legislation also mandates consideration of adding substance use screening as a critical component of mental health assessments. Congress believes that effective mental health screening is essential for transitioning service members, and thus requires the Secretary of Defense to fully implement the separation health assessment within 120 days of the bill's enactment. Additionally, the Joint Executive Committee must submit a report to congressional committees explaining their decision to include or exclude a substance use screen. The bill defines key terms such as the Joint Executive Committee and separation health assessment, and specifies that "appropriate congressional committees" include the Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3245/all-info