H.R. 1290 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Feb 13, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryVA expands mental health crisis referrals
The bill sets up a three-year test program where Vet Centers and VA medical facilities would give veterans experiencing mental health crises referrals to approved mental health providers outside the VA system. The VA would then report back on how well the program works and what results it achieves.
How it affects you
If you're a veteran in a mental health crisis, this program could connect you with mental health care providers beyond the VA's own facilities, giving you additional options when you need help quickly.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 13, 2025)
Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program under which Vet Centers and VA medical facilities provide veterans who are experiencing mental health crises with referrals to approved non-VA mental health care providers.
The VA must report on the implementation, outcomes, and effectiveness of the pilot program.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1290
A BILL
Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) · Introduced Feb 13, 2025 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 14, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.”