Bill
Bill > S1583
summary
Introduced
10/28/2013
10/28/2013
In Committee
10/28/2013
10/28/2013
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2015
01/03/2015
Introduced Session
113th Congress
Bill Summary
Mental Health Support for Veteran Families and Caregivers Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) enter into contracts to conduct a 4-year program (with authorization for a 4-year extension) to provide a course of education to family members and caregivers of veterans on matters relating to coping with veterans' mental health disorders; (2) carry out such program in at least 10 VA medical centers, 10 VA clinics, and 10 centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans (vet centers); (3) expand such program (within 2 years) to include at least 10 additional medical centers, clinics, and vet centers; and (4) select VA mental health care providers to monitor the progress of the instruction provided under such education program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to provide peer support to family members and caregivers of veterans on matters relating to coping with veterans mental health disorders; (2) provide such peer support, through group meetings conducted at least twice each calendar quarter, at each facility in which the education program is provided; (3) select an individual who has completed the education program to serve as a peer support coordinator for each facility; and (4) select a VA mental health care provider to serve as a mentor to each coordinator. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey of the satisfaction of program participants.
AI Summary
This bill, the Mental Health Support for Veteran Families and Caregivers Act of 2013, requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement a four-year program, with an option for a four-year extension, to provide education and peer support to family members and caregivers of veterans who are dealing with mental health disorders. The education program will offer courses on coping with mental health issues, crisis intervention, stress management, and available resources, and will be conducted at various VA facilities, including medical centers, clinics, and vet centers (which are centers for readjustment counseling and mental health services for veterans), with a mandate to expand its reach to additional locations within two years. The peer support program will offer group meetings facilitated by individuals who have completed the education program and are selected as peer support coordinators, with VA mental health care providers overseeing the progress of both programs and serving as mentors to the coordinators. The bill also mandates a survey to gauge participant satisfaction and requires the Secretary to submit annual and final reports to Congress detailing program participation, survey results, and recommendations for future continuation or expansion.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 113-280. (on 10/30/2013)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/1583/all-info |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s1583is/pdf/BILLS-113s1583is.pdf |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s1583is/pdf/BILLS-113s1583is.pdf.pdf |
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