GAO study and report on mental health effectiveness of Transition Assistance Program and Solid Start Program

(a) Study required The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of TAP and the Solid Start program in identifying, counseling, and supporting members of the Armed Forces and veterans regarding mental health risks and transition-related stressors during their separation from the Armed Forces. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the following: (1) The extent to which counseling provided under TAP includes comprehensive information regarding post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, and other mental health conditions associated with service in the Armed Forces. (2) The effectiveness of TAP curriculum in educating separating members on the risk factors of suicide, including signs of severe relationship strain, isolation, unemployment, or loss of community support systems. (3) The baseline performance metrics and outreach success rates of the Solid Start program during the first year following separation from the Armed Forces, with a specific focus on the program’s success in facilitating veterans’ enrollment in the system of annual patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code. (4) The degree of interagency data-sharing and coordination between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to track warm handoffs for high-risk members of the Armed Forces separating from active duty. (5) Gaps in current pre-separation counseling and post-separation outreach related to substance use disorder resources, including alcohol and prescription opioid abuse counseling. (c) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings and recommendations of the Comptroller General based on the study conducted under subsection (a), including administrative or legislative recommendations to reduce veteran suicide during the first year following separation from the Armed Forces. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) The term appropriate congressional committee means— (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives; or (D) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate. (2) The term Solid Start program means the program under section 6320 of title 38, United States Code. (3) The term TAP means the Transition Assistance Program under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.