Bills · HR 1290
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1290Veterans' medical careHealth care coverage and access
Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 13· LAST ACTION MAR 14
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it attempts to address a critical issue many veterans face: getting timely access to mental health care, especially during a crisis. Long wait times and limited availability of VA services can prevent veterans from getting the help they need when they need it most, potentially leading to worsening conditions.
If this bill becomes law, it could provide a quicker pathway for veterans to receive care by leveraging a wider network of mental health professionals outside the VA. If it doesn't pass, veterans may continue to experience delays in accessing mental health services through the existing VA system, which could have serious consequences for their well-being.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Directs the VA to start a three-year pilot program for referring veterans in mental health crises to approved non-VA care providers.
This provision creates a new avenue for veterans to access mental health services, potentially reducing wait times and increasing options for care.
PROVISION 02
Requires the VA to develop a referral system aimed at connecting veterans with outside providers within one week.
This sets a clear goal for fast access to care, which is crucial for veterans experiencing mental health crises.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the VA to develop criteria for approving non-VA mental health care providers and to hire and train staff for the new referral system.
This ensures that outside providers meet VA standards and that VA staff are equipped to manage the new referral process effectively.
PROVISION 04
Requires annual and final reports to Congress on the pilot program's implementation, outcomes, and recommendations.
This ensures oversight and provides data to evaluate the program's effectiveness and inform future decisions about expanding or modifying the system.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2027 to carry out the pilot program.
This allocates specific funding to ensure the program has the necessary resources to operate for its three-year duration.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
46
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSMAR 14
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
FEB 13
Introduced in House
FEB 13
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1290
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
Last actionMar 14, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025
House BillHR 1290Veterans' medical careHealth care coverage and access
Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 14, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
