Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Pat Fallon (TX-04) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) recently introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act. America’s veterans deserve access to quick and effective care, particularly when it comes to mental health. Regardless of whether veterans choose to be seen by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provider or within the VA community care program, they should receive the best care. The bill’s provisions are as follows: 

• 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.  

"America’s veterans deserve the best care as well as a choice in the matter," said Rep. 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."