Bill > S4031

This bill, titled the "Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act," aims to improve the care and research for veterans by requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate at least five medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as "innovative therapies centers of excellence." These centers will focus on treating specific "covered conditions" such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using "innovative therapies" which include substances like MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin, among others. To be designated, a facility must meet high competitive standards for scientific and clinical merit, as determined by a peer review panel of experts, and demonstrate the ability to partner with accredited medical schools for training, attract top researchers, establish veteran advisory committees, conduct evaluations, coordinate national efforts, and create a data repository for innovative therapy treatments. The bill also mandates an annual report to Congress on the centers' activities and authorizes $30 million annually for their research and education, with the possibility of additional funding from other VA accounts.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4031/all-info