WC Georgia News

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) joined Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04) in introducing H.R. 3811, the Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act, a bipartisan bill meant to help ensure that veterans are getting the best quality care by comparing care received within and outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

“When we thank our veterans for their military service, it cannot be an empty gesture. Congress must ensure that top-notch, evidence-based practices are used to care for our veterans to support their mental health and treat conditions like PTSD and depression,” said Congressman Bishop. “Through this bipartisan bill that Congressman Fallon and I are introducing, we aim to create a stronger, better-coordinated veterans’ healthcare system. By comparing VA and non-VA providers, we can identify any gaps as well as determine best practices to deliver better mental and behavioral health care for our veterans.”

“America’s veterans deserve the best care as well as a choice in the matter,” said Congressman Fallon. “This bill would require the VA to conduct an independent study to determine whether it is in fact providing the necessary level of care when compared to private sector alternatives. It is critical that we identify proven healthcare treatment methods to address the ongoing mental health crisis afflicting our veteran community.”

H.R. 3811 would require the VA to commission a study on the difference in the quality of care between VA facilities and private providers. Specifically, the study would:

• Examine differences in health outcomes for veterans seeking behavioral or mental health treatment at a VA facility or a private provider.
• Determine if providers use evidence-based treatment for behavioral and mental health issues.
• Identify potential gaps in coordination between VA facilities and private providers.

Original source can be found here.