U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Feb. 5 proposed a bipartisan bill that would improve the care furnished to U.S. veterans suffering from military sexual trauma.
Rep. Barr sponsored the Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment (SAVE) Act, H.R. 5757, with lead bill cosponsor U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to approve a veteran’s community care in order to recover from military sexual trauma if community care is the veteran’s choice, according to a bill summary provided by Barr’s office.
“The Military SAVE Act is needed legislation that will empower military sexual trauma (MST) survivors to choose the best medical treatment for their situation,” said Rep. Barr. “Victims of military sexual assault deserve the flexibility, compassion and discretion to receive care in a location that is most comfortable to them.”
If enacted, H.R. 5757 would require the VA to approve a veteran’s counseling, care and services in the community if that’s what a veteran chooses and would require the VA to inform veterans seeking non-department MST treatment about the same services that are available within the VA, according to the summary.
Among other provisions, the bill also would remove the requirement that a VA mental health professional must determine whether a VA patient’s condition qualifies for care and instead permit the veteran’s treating provider — either medical or mental health — to make the determination.
“In a time where we are seeing sexual harassment of veterans at VA facilities, it is essential we in Congress ensure our veterans are not re-traumatized at the very place meant to help them,” Rep. Barr said.
Rep. Gabbard added that H.R. 5757 will help improve how VA leadership responds to military sexual assault, as well as the quality and accessibility of treatment at the VA “by quickly expanding access to treatment for survivors.”
The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.