LaHood:
Proposed bill to increase access to PTSD treatment for U.S. service
members
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[March 07, 2007]
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Reps. Ray LaHood,
R-Peoria, Ill., and Jim Moran, D-Va., introduced legislation Tuesday
that will provide U.S. servicemen and veterans better access to
treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The legislation is
titled the "Lane Evans Mental Health and Benefits Act."
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"Our government has a solemn responsibility for do everything we can
to care for those who have served our nation in the military," said
LaHood. "Whether they be active duty in Iraq or veterans from World
War II, Congress must ensure our military women and men have access
to the best available health care. That is why we have introduced
this legislation, which addresses serious a disorder faced by many
of those who have served." Post-traumatic stress disorder is an
anxiety disorder that occurs following the experience or witnessing
of a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural
disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or
sexual assault.
Post-traumatic stress disorder often prevents returning soldiers,
veterans and their families from living a normal life. A recent
study from the
National Center for PTSD reports that over half of PTSD
sufferers had a lifetime diagnosis of alcoholism and over a third
had a lifetime drug abuse diagnosis. In some cases, PTSD has led to
suicide.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2007/Mar/07/images/ads/current/state%20bank%20investment%20center%20lda%20022706.png) The Lane Evans Mental Health and Improvement Benefits Act makes
five significant changes to positively impact mental health services
for our nation's servicemen and women and veterans:
-
Extends VA
mental health care. Currently, there is only a two-year
window to provide newly returning veterans free health care
screening and referral services. However, it can take many years
for symptoms of PTSD and other mental health problems to
manifest themselves. This bill would provide a five-year
window for veterans to receive a free assessment of mental
health medical needs by the VA.
-
Requires
face-to-face medical exams. The Department of Defense
currently requires service members to answer a basic
questionnaire to determine if they need to be referred for
treatment. Soldiers are typically in a rush to get back home
when returning from a deployment and don't necessarily give
these questions much thought. The department should instead
conduct mandatory individualized mental health screenings
for every service member 30 to 90 days after deployment.
-
Establishes a
Global War on Terror registry to track health care data. The
registry would collect aggregate data on Global War on Terror
service members and veterans to monitor their health care and
benefit use. The data will help lead to better budget
forecasting and avoid shortfalls. A similar effort was
undertaken after the Gulf War.
-
Requires equal
transition services for Guardsmen and reservists. A 2005 GAO
report found that demobilization for Guardsmen and reservists is
accelerated, and these units get abbreviated and fewer
transition assistances.
-
Requires secure
electronic records. The Department of Defense should provide
a full, secure electronic copy of all medical records at the
time of discharge.
[Text from news release received from
Rep. Ray LaHood, 18th
Congressional District] |