The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would be required to provide certain assessments of United States military veterans who need homeless program services under legislation led by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA).
The congressman on Tuesday sponsored the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act, H.R. 7049, to specifically require the VA homeless program staff to identify and support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in order to identify appropriate housing options and mental health care.
“After serving our nation, veterans deserve timely access to quality care, including stable housing and mental health support when needed,” Rep. Valadao said, adding that the measure would “help ensure vulnerable veterans don’t slip through the cracks by strengthening VA coordination and accountability and helping connect them with the benefits they’ve earned.”
If enacted, H.R. 7049 would require the VA to conduct a comprehensive assessment within three days of identifying a veteran in need of homeless program services, and require the department to evaluate both immediate and long-term mental and physical health needs and develop a clear plan of support.
Additionally, H.R. 7049 would direct the VA to identify appropriate housing options as part of each assessment, and ensure assessment information is consistent with and included in the veteran’s electronic health record, according to the text of the bill.
The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.