Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

Senate Bill

S. 702

119th Congress

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 25, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Senator

Republican

MS

Cosponsors

8

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill requires the VA to contract with an independent organization to study differences in quality between VA mental health and addiction treatment compared to private sector providers. The study would examine various treatment approaches and publish findings publicly.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 287.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill requires the VA to contract with an independent organization to study differences in quality between VA mental health and addiction treatment compared to private sector providers. The study would examine various treatment approaches and publish findings publicly.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with an independent and objective organization to study the difference in quality of mental health and addiction therapy care provided by the VA compared to non-VA providers across various modalities. The organization must publish its findings publicly.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires independent study of VA mental health care quality
Compares VA and private sector addiction treatment
Examines quality across different treatment types
Mandates public publication of findings
Addresses veteran mental health care concerns

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Veterans and policymakers would have independent data comparing VA mental health care to private alternatives. This could inform decisions about VA care versus community care options. The study addresses concerns about VA mental health service quality and wait times.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Congressional oversight

Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

Government studies and investigations

Health care quality

Mental health

Veterans' medical care

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

702, 119th Congress (2025). "Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-702