Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery Act or the COVER Act - Establishes the Veterans Expedited Recovery Commission to:
Directs the Secretary, upon a report by the Commission, to submit: (1) an action plan for implementing recommendations and a time frame for implementing complementary alternative treatments, or (2) a justification for not doing so and an alternative solution to improve the efficacy of the therapy model.
[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4977 Introduced in House (IH)]
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4977
To establish a commission to examine the evidence-based therapy
treatment model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating
mental illnesses of veterans and the potential benefits of
incorporating complementary alternative treatments available in non-
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities within the community.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 26, 2014
Mr. Bilirakis (for himself and Mr. Ruiz) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a commission to examine the evidence-based therapy
treatment model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating
mental illnesses of veterans and the potential benefits of
incorporating complementary alternative treatments available in non-
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities within the community.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Creating Options for Veterans
Expedited Recovery Act'' or the ``COVER Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Veterans Expedited
Recovery Commission (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Duties.--The Commission shall perform the following duties:
(1) Examine the efficacy of the evidence-based therapy
model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating
mental health illnesses of veterans and identify areas to
improve wellness-based outcomes.
(2) Conduct a patient-centered survey within each of the
Veterans Integrated Service Networks to examine--
(A) the experience of veterans with the Department
of Veterans Affairs when seeking medical assistance for
mental health issues through the health care system of
the Department;
(B) the experience of veterans with non-Department
medical facilities and health professionals for
treating mental health issues;
(C) the preferences of veterans regarding available
treatments for mental health issues and which methods
the veterans believe to be most effective;
(D) the experience, if any, of veterans with
respect to the complementary alternative treatment
therapies described in subparagraphs (A) through (I) in
paragraph (3);
(E) the prevalence of prescribing prescription
medication among veterans seeking treatment through the
health care system of the Department as remedies for
addressing mental health issues; and
(F) the outreach efforts of the Secretary regarding
the availability of benefits and treatments for
veterans for addressing mental health issues, including
by identifying ways to reduce barriers to and gaps in
such benefits and treatments.
(3) Examine available research on complementary alternative
treatment therapies for mental health issues and identify what
benefits could be made with the inclusion of such treatments
for veterans, including with respect to--
(A) music therapy;
(B) equine therapy;
(C) training and caring for service dogs;
(D) yoga therapy;
(E) acupuncture therapy;
(F) meditation therapy;
(G) outdoor sports therapy;
(H) hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
(I) accelerated resolution therapy; and
(J) other therapies the Commission determines
appropriate.
(4) Study the potential increase in the approval by the
Secretary of claims for compensation relating to mental health
issues for veterans who served Operation Enduring Freedom,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
SEC. 3. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
members, appointed as follows:
(A) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, at least one of whom shall be
a veteran.
(B) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of
the House of Representatives, at least one of whom
shall be a veteran.
(C) Two members appointed by the Majority Leader of
the Senate, at least one of whom shall be a veteran.
(D) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of
the Senate, at least one of whom shall be a veteran.
(E) Two members appointed by the President, at
least one of whom shall be a veteran.
(2) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be--
(A) individuals who are of recognized standing and
distinction within the medical community with a
background in treating mental health; and
(B) individuals with experience working with the
military and veteran population.
(b) Chairman.--The President shall designate a member of the
Commission to be the chairman.
(c) Period of Appointment.--Members of the Commission shall be
appointed for the life of the Commission.
(d) Vacancy.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the
manner in which the original appointment was made.
(e) Appointment Deadline.--The appointment of members of the
Commission in this section shall be made not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Meeting.--
(1) Initial meeting.--The Commission shall hold its first
meeting not later than 30 days after a majority of members are
appointed to the Commission.
(2) Meeting.--The Commission shall regularly meet at the
call of the Chairman. Such meetings may be carried out through
the use of telephonic or other appropriate telecommunication
technology if the Commission determines that such technology
will allow the members to communicate simultaneously.
(b) Hearing.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at
such times and places, take such testimony, and receive evidence as the
Commission considers advisable to carry out the responsibilities of the
Commission.
(c) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government such
information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the
duties of the Commission.
(d) Information From Nongovernmental Organizations.--In carrying
out section 2(b), the Commission may seek guidance through consultation
with foundations, veterans service organizations, nonprofit groups,
faith-based organizations, private and public institutions of higher
education, and other organizations as the Commission determines
appropriate.
(e) Commission Records.--The Commission shall keep an accurate and
complete record of the actions and meetings of the Commission. Such
record shall be made available for public inspection and the
Comptroller General of the United States may audit and examine such
record.
(f) Personnel Matters.--Upon request of the chairman of the
Commission, the head of any department or agency of the Federal
Government may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any personnel of that
department or agency to assist the Commission in carrying out the
duties of the Commission.
(g) Compensation of Members; Travel Expenses.--Each member shall
serve without pay, except that each member shall receive travel
expenses to perform the duties of the Commission under section 2(b) of
this Act, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code.
(h) Staff.--The Chairman, in accordance with rules agreed upon by
the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff
director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the
Commission to carry out its functions, without regard to the provisions
of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, without regard to the provision of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification
and General Schedule pay rates, except that no rate of pay fixed under
this subsection may exceed the equivalent of that payable for a
position at a level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
title 5, United States Code.
(i) Personnel as Federal Employees.--
(1) In general.--The executive director and any personnel
of the Commission are employees under section 2105 of title 5,
United States Code, for purpose of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85,
87, 89, and 90 of such title.
(2) Members of the commission.--Paragraph (1) shall not be
construed to apply to members of the Commission.
(j) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such
amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts, enter into contracts to
enable the Commission to discharge the duties of the Commission under
this Act.
(k) Expert and Consultant Service.--The Commission may procure the
services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of
title 5, United States Code, at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid
to a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule
under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
(l) Postal Service.--The Commission may use the United States mails
in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and
agencies of the United States.
(m) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this Act. These administrative services may include human
resource management, budget, leasing, accounting, and payroll services.
SEC. 5. REPORT.
(a) Interim Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which the Commission first meets, and each 30-day period
thereafter ending on the date on which the Commission submits
the final report under subsection (b), the Commission shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate and the President a report
detailing the level of cooperation the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs (and the heads of other departments or agencies of the
Federal Government) has provided to the Commission.
(2) Other reports.--In carrying out the duties pursuant to
section 2(b), at times that the Commission determines
appropriate, the Commission shall submit to the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Senate and any other appropriate entities an interim report
with respect to the findings identified by the Commission.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than 18 months after the first meeting
of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the
President, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a final report on the
findings of the Commission. Such report shall include the following:
(1) Recommendations to implement in a feasible, timely, and
cost-effective manner the solutions and remedies identified
within the findings of the Commission pursuant to section 2(b).
(2) An analysis of the evidence-based therapy model used by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating veterans with
mental health care issues, and an examination of the prevalence
and efficacy of prescription drugs as a means for treatment.
(3) The findings of the patient-centered survey conducted
within each of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks
pursuant to section 2(b)(2).
(4) An examination of complementary alternative treatments
described in section 2(b)(3) and the potential benefits of
incorporating such treatments in the therapy model used by the
Secretary for treating veterans with mental health issues.
(c) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the
Commission submits the final report under subsection (b), the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the
following:
(1) An action plan for implementing the recommendations
established by the Commission on such solutions and remedies
for improving wellness-based outcomes for veterans with mental
health care issues.
(2) A feasible timeframe on when complementary alternative
treatments described in section 2(b)(3) can be implemented
Department-wide.
(3) If the Secretary determines that implementing the
recommendations established by the Commission, including with
respect to such complementary alternative treatments, is not
appropriate or feasible, a justification for such determination
and an alternative solution to improve the efficacy of the
therapy model used by the Secretary for treating veterans with
mental health issues.
SEC. 6. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the Commission submits
the final report under section 5(b).
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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