Bill > HR6835

This bill, known as the Veterans STAND Act (Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act), aims to improve healthcare for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders by directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to offer annual preventative health evaluations to these veterans if they choose to receive them. These evaluations will assess risks for health complications, manage chronic pain, address dietary and weight management, review prosthetic equipment, and explore the potential benefits of assistive technologies, including spinal cord neuromodulation technologies like non-invasive transcutaneous spinal stimulation, which can help improve motor function, independence, and mobility. The Secretary will consult with various experts and organizations when developing guidelines for these evaluations and must ensure veterans are informed about the available services. The bill also mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide training and follow-up for assistive technologies, potentially through telehealth, and requires the Secretary to report to Congress annually on the use of assistive technologies and the participation rates in these preventative evaluations. The term "assistive technology" is defined broadly to include powered medical devices and electronic tools that help treat or alleviate symptoms of spinal cord injuries or disorders, such as personal mobility devices, speech generating devices, and spinal cord neuromodulation systems.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6835/all-info