Roby bill would ensure quality of veterans’ mental health, substance abuse treatment

State and local protection and advocacy agencies would be able to investigate the quality of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health and substance abuse treatment programs under legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL) on Wednesday.

The Protection and Advocacy for Veterans Act, H.R. 1712, would test expanding investigative authority of protection and advocacy agencies to VA mental health and substance abuse programs in an effort to provide better veteran resources.

“For 40 years, protection and advocacy agencies in Alabama and around the country have provided a critical service by monitoring the quality of care in state-operated hospitals, clinics, and other facilities,” Roby said. “I believe bringing this degree of expertise in patient advocacy to the VA would greatly benefit veterans, particularly those in need of mental health care or substance abuse treatment.” Roby said.

H.R. 1712 would provide funding to establish a pilot program that allows protection and advocacy agency officials to inspect VA records and to take legal action on behalf of veterans who received inadequate care from the VA.

“In recent years, Congress has boosted funding for mental health care services and enacted legislation making it easier for the VA to attract mental health care professionals,” Roby said. “This is a step in the right direction, but I believe we can do better. We owe it to our veterans to bring all available resources to bear to ensure access to proper treatment.”