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SENATE 216118th CongressSubmitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1712; text: CR S1709-1711)

A resolution designating the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as "National Police Week".

Last Action
5/17/2023

Actions

  • 2023-02-16Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
  • 2023-02-01Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • 2023-02-01Introduced in Senate

CRS Summary

As of 2023-02-01 (00)

Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Act of 2023 or the RESPECT Act of 2023

This bill modifies the caregiver programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and addresses the provision of support for caregivers participating in such programs.

The bill expands (1) the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to include services related to neurological disorders and additional mental health services, and (2) the Program of General Caregiver Support Services to include services related to neurological disorders.

The VA must establish a process and requirements for its clinicians to document incidents in which veterans in the family caregiver program present at a facility for treatment for an emergent or urgent mental health crisis or are assessed to be at risk for suicide.

The bill sets forth the VA's process and requirements for determining or reassessing the eligibility of a veteran and caregiver for the family caregiver program, including with regard to the provision of documentation and evidence related to mental health, psychological trauma, or a neurological disorder. The VA must waive the reassessment requirement under specified circumstances, such as when a veteran's serious injury is caused by a degenerative or chronic condition.

The VA is authorized to award grants to implement, coordinate, improve, or enhance mental health counseling, treatment, or support for family caregivers of veterans participating in the family caregiver program.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the provision of mental health support to caregivers of veterans.

Cosponsors (2)

  • Christopher Coons (D-DE)
  • Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

Subjects

  • Family services
  • Health facilities and institutions
  • Health promotion and preventive care
  • Mental health
  • Neurological disorders
  • Veterans' medical care
  • Veterans' pensions and compensation
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Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.