Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment for Veterans Act

This bill would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to start a pilot program within 180 days to expand access to virtual opioid treatment for veterans enrolled in VA health care. The treatment would be delivered entirely through telehealth by licensed psychiatric clinicians through the Veterans Community Care Program, combining counseling and medication-assisted treatment in each visit. The program would include outreach to veterans and families, referral networks, a national public awareness campaign, and an interagency task force with other federal departments. The VA would study barriers to substance use disorder treatment and report to Congress and agency heads, with annual updates. The program would end after 2 years unless the Secretary finds it effective and extends it.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Deborah K. Ross Democrat sponsor
• 2 cosponsors