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38 U.S.C. § 1720F — Comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces

Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 1720F — Comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces

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Source location: Title 38, Chapter 17, § 1720F; chapter-017-hospital-nursing-home-domiciliary-and-medical-care.md

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**(a) Establishment.—** The Secretary shall develop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among covered individuals incorporating the components described in this section. **(b) Staff Education.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program under this section, the Secretary shall provide for mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors (including all medical personnel) of the Department who interact with covered individuals. This training shall cover information appropriate to the duties being performed by such staff and contractors. The training shall include information on— (1) recognizing risk factors for suicide; (2) proper protocols for responding to crisis situations involving covered individuals who may be at high risk for suicide; and (3) best practices for suicide prevention. **(c) Health Assessments.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall direct that medical staff offer mental health in their overall health assessment when covered individuals seek medical care at a Department medical facility (including a center established under [section 1712A of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1712a&num=0&edition=prelim)) and make referrals, at the request of the individual concerned, to appropriate counseling and treatment programs for covered individuals who show signs or symptoms of mental health problems. **(d) Designation of Suicide Prevention Counselors.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall designate a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility other than centers established under [section 1712A of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1712a&num=0&edition=prelim). Each counselor shall work with local emergency rooms, police departments, mental health organizations, and veterans service organizations to engage in outreach to covered individuals and improve the coordination of mental health care to covered individuals. **(e) Best Practices Research.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for research on best practices for suicide prevention among covered individuals. Research shall be conducted under this subsection in consultation with the heads of the following entities: (1) The Department of Health and Human Services. (2) The National Institute of Mental Health. (3) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (4) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. **(f) Sexual Trauma Research.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for research on mental health care for covered individuals who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service. The research design shall include consideration of veterans or members of a reserve component. **(g) 24-Hour Mental Health Care.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for mental health care availability to covered individuals on a 24-hour basis. **(h) Hotline.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary may provide for a toll-free hotline for covered individuals to be staffed by appropriately trained mental health personnel and available at all times. **(i) Outreach and Education.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for outreach to and education for covered individuals and the families of covered individuals, with special emphasis on providing information to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and the families of such veterans. Education to promote mental health shall include information designed to— (1) remove the stigma associated with mental illness; (2) encourage covered individuals to seek treatment and assistance for mental illness; (3) promote skills for coping with mental illness; and (4) help families of covered individuals with— (A) understanding issues arising from the readjustment of covered individuals to civilian life; (B) identifying signs and symptoms of mental illness; and (C) encouraging covered individuals to seek assistance for mental illness. **(j) Peer Support Counseling Program.—** (1) In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a peer support counseling program, under which covered individuals shall be permitted to volunteer as peer counselors— (A) to assist other covered individuals with issues related to mental health and readjustment; and (B) to conduct outreach to covered individuals and the families of covered individuals. (2) In carrying out the peer support counseling program under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide adequate training for peer counselors, including training carried out under the national program of training required by section 304(c) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ([38 U.S.C. 1712A](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1712a&num=0&edition=prelim) note). (3) In addition to other locations the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall carry out the peer support program under this subsection at each Department medical center. (4) (A) As part of the counseling program under this subsection, the Secretary shall emphasize appointing peer support counselors for covered individuals who are women. To the degree practicable, the Secretary shall seek to recruit women peer support counselors with expertise in— (i) female gender-specific issues and services; (ii) the provision of information about services and benefits provided under laws administered by the Secretary; or (iii) employment mentoring. (B) To the degree practicable, the Secretary shall emphasize facilitating peer support counseling for covered individuals who are women and are eligible for counseling and services under [section 1720D of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1720d&num=0&edition=prelim), have post-traumatic stress disorder or suffer from another mental health condition, are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, or are otherwise at increased risk of suicide, as determined by the Secretary. (C) The Secretary shall conduct outreach to inform covered individuals who are women about the program and the assistance available under this paragraph. (D) In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall coordinate with such community organizations, State and local governments, institutions of higher education, chambers of commerce, local business organizations, organizations that provide legal assistance, and other organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate. (E) In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide adequate training for peer support counselors, including training carried out under the national program of training required by section 304(c) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ([38 U.S.C. 1712A](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1712a&num=0&edition=prelim) note). **(k) Other Components.—** In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary may provide for other actions to reduce the incidence of suicide among covered individuals that the Secretary considers appropriate. **(l)** (1) **Covered Individual Defined.—** — In this section, the term “covered individual” means a veteran or a member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces. (2) In determining coverage of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces under the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Defense.

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 3765 — Definitions

For the purposes of this subchapter— (1) The term “trust land” means any land that— (A) is held in trust by the United States for Native Americans; (B) is subject to restrictions on alienation imposed by the United States on Indian lands (including native Hawaiian homelands); (C) is located in the State of Alaska within a region established under section 7(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ([43 U.S.C. 1606(a)](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title43-section1606/a&num=0&edition=prelim)); (D) is on any island in the Pacific Ocean if such land is, by cultural tradition, communally-owned land, as determined by the Secretary; (E) is defined by the Secretary of the Interior and recognized by the United States as land over which an Indian Tribe has governmental dominion; or (F) is on any land that the Secretary determines is provided to Native American veterans because of their status as Native Americans. (2) The term “Native American veteran” means any veteran who is a Native American. (3) The term “Native American” means— (A) an Indian, as defined in section 4(d) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ([25 U.S.C. 450b(d)](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title25-section450b/d&num=0&edition=prelim)); 11 See References in Text note below. (B) a native Hawaiian, as that term is defined in section 201(a)(7) of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 (Public Law 67–34; 42 Stat. 108); (C) an Alaska Native, within the meaning provided for the term “Native” in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ([43 U.S.C. 1602(b)](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title43-section1602/b&num=0&edition=prelim)); and (D) a Pacific I

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 38 U.S.C. § 3765

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 101 — Definitions

For the purposes of this title— (1) The terms “Secretary” and “Department” mean the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, respectively. (2) The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. (3) The term “surviving spouse” means (except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title) a person who was the spouse of a veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, and who lived with the veteran continuously from the date of marriage to the date of the veteran’s death (except where there was a separation which was due to the misconduct of, or procured by, the veteran without the fault of the spouse) and who has not remarried. (4) (A) The term “child” means (except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title (other than with respect to a child who is an insurable dependent under subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 1965(10) of such chapter) and [section 8502(b) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section8502/b&num=0&edition=prelim)) a person who is unmarried and— (i) who is under the age of eighteen years; (ii) who, before attaining the age of eighteen years, became permanently incapable of self-support; or (iii) who, after attaining the age of eighteen years and until completion of education or training (but not after attaining the age of twenty-three years), is pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution; and who is a legitimate child, a legally adopted child, a stepchild who is a member of a veteran’s household or was a member at the time of the veteran’s death, or an illegitimate child but, as to the alleged father, onl

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 38 U.S.C. § 101

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 5902 — Recognition of representatives of organizations

**(a)** (1) The Secretary may recognize representatives of the American National Red Cross, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the United Spanish War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and such other organizations as the Secretary may approve, in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Secretary. (2) The Secretary may, in the discretion of the Secretary, furnish, if available, space and office facilities for the use of paid full-time representatives of national organizations so recognized. **(b)** (1) No individual shall be recognized under this section— (A) unless the individual has certified to the Secretary that no fee or compensation of any nature will be charged any individual for services rendered in connection with any claim; and (B) unless, with respect to each claim, such individual has filed with the Secretary a power of attorney, executed in such manner and form as the Secretary may prescribe. (2) An individual recognized under this section shall be subject to the provisions of [section 5904(b) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section5904/b&num=0&edition=prelim) on the same basis as an individual recognized under [section 5904(a) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section5904/a&num=0&edition=prelim). **(c)** (1) Unless a claimant specifically indicates in a power of attorney filed with the Department a desire to appoint only a recognized representative of an organization listed in or approved under subsection (a), the Secretary may, for any purpose, treat the power of attorney naming such an organization, a specific office of such an organization, or a recognized representative

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

25 U.S.C. § 4103 — Reports to Congress

**(a) In general** Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of each fiscal year in which assistance under this subchapter is made available, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that contains— (1) a description of the progress made in accomplishing the objectives of this subchapter; (2) a summary of the use of funds available under this subchapter during the preceding fiscal year; and (3) a description of the aggregate outstanding loan guarantees under [section 1715z–13b of title 12](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title12-section1715z–13b&num=0&edition=prelim). **(b) Related reports** The Secretary may require the Director to submit to the Secretary such reports and other information as may be necessary in order for the Secretary to prepare the report required under subsection (a).

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

5 U.S.C. § 1001 — Definitions

In this chapter: (1) **Administrator.—** — The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of General Services. (2) **Advisory committee.—** (A) *In general.—* — The term “advisory committee” means a committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group, or any subcommittee or other subgroup thereof (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as “committee”) that is established or utilized to obtain advice or recommendations for the President or one or more agencies or officers of the Federal Government and that is— (i) established by statute or reorganization plan; (ii) established or utilized by the President; or (iii) established or utilized by one or more agencies. (B) *Exclusions.—* — The term “advisory committee” excludes— (i) a committee that is composed wholly of full-time, or permanent part-time, officers or employees of the Federal Government; and (ii) a committee that is created by the National Academy of Sciences or the National Academy of Public Administration. (3) **Agency.—** — The term “agency” has the meaning given the term in [section 551 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section551&num=0&edition=prelim). (4) **Presidential advisory committee.—** — The term “Presidential advisory committee” means an advisory committee that advises the President.

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 1701 — Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter— (1) The term “disability” means a disease, injury, or other physical or mental defect. (2) The term “veteran of any war” includes any veteran awarded the Medal of Honor. (3) The term “facilities of the Department” means— (A) facilities over which the Secretary has direct jurisdiction; (B) Government facilities for which the Secretary contracts; and (C) public or private facilities at which the Secretary provides recreational activities for patients receiving care under [section 1710 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1710&num=0&edition=prelim). (4) The term “non-Department facilities” means facilities other than Department facilities. (5) The term “hospital care” includes— (A) (i) medical services rendered in the course of the hospitalization of any veteran, and (ii) travel and incidental expenses pursuant to the provisions of [section 111 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section111&num=0&edition=prelim); (B) such mental health services, consultation, professional counseling, marriage and family counseling, and training for the members of the immediate family or legal guardian of a veteran, or the individual in whose household such veteran certifies an intention to live, as the Secretary considers appropriate for the effective treatment and rehabilitation of a veteran or dependent or survivor of a veteran receiving care under the last sentence of [section 1781(b) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section1781/b&num=0&edition=prelim); and (C) (i) medical services rendered in the course of the hospitalization of a dependent or survivor of a veteran rece

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

10 U.S.C. § 1074m — Mental health assessments for members of the armed forces deployed in support of a contingency operation

**(a) Mental Health Assessments.—** (1) The Secretary of Defense shall provide a person-to-person mental health assessment for each member of the armed forces who is deployed in support of a contingency operation as follows: (A) Once during the period beginning 120 days before the date of the deployment. (B) Once during each 180-day period during which a member is deployed. (C) Subject to paragraph (3) and subsection (d), once during the period beginning on the date of redeployment from the contingency operation and ending on the date that is 21 days after the date on which the post-deployment leave of the member terminates. (D) Subject to subsection (d), not less than once annually— (i) beginning 21 days after the date on which the post-deployment leave of the member terminates; or (ii) if the assessment required by subparagraph (C) is performed during the period specified in paragraph (3), beginning 180 days after the date of redeployment from the contingency operation. (2) A mental health assessment is not required for a member of the armed forces under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (1) (including an assessment performed pursuant to paragraph (3)) if the Secretary determines that providing such assessment to the member during the time periods under such subparagraphs would remove the member from forward deployment or put members or operational objectives at risk. (3) A mental health assessment required under subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) may be provided during the period beginning 90 days after the date of redeployment from the contingency operation and ending 180 days after such redeployment date if the Secretary determines that— (A) an insufficient number of personnel are available to perform the assessment during the time p

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 10 U.S.C. § 1074m

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 1712A — Eligibility for readjustment counseling and related mental health services

**(a)** (1) (A) Upon the request of any individual referred to in subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall furnish counseling, including by furnishing counseling through a Vet Center, to the individual— (i) in the case of an individual referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of subparagraph (C), to assist the individual in readjusting to civilian life; and (ii) in the case of an individual referred to in clause (viii) of such subparagraph who is a family member of a veteran or member described in such clause— (I) in the case of a member who is deployed in a theater of combat operations or an area at a time during which hostilities are occurring in that area, during such deployment to assist such individual in coping with such deployment; (II) in the case of a veteran or member who is readjusting to civilian life, to the degree that counseling furnished to such individual is found to aid in the readjustment of such veteran or member to civilian life; and (III) in the case of a veteran or member who died by suicide, to the degree that counseling furnished to such individual is found to aid in coping with the effects of such suicide. (B) (i) Counseling furnished to an individual under subparagraph (A) may include a comprehensive individual assessment of the individual’s psychological, social, and other characteristics to ascertain whether— (I) in the case of an individual referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of subparagraph (C), such individual has difficulties associated with readjusting to civilian life; and (II) in the case of an individual referred to in clause (viii) of such subparagraph, such individual has difficulties associated with— (aa) coping with the deployment of a member described in subclau

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 38 U.S.C. § 1712A

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 1712A — Eligibility for readjustment counseling

Page 379 TITLE 38—VETERANS’ BENEFITS § 1712A of facilities and to furnish home health services to such veterans in such veterans’ homes or in other settings in which they reside. VETERANS DISCHARGED OR RELEASED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE WHO REENTERED SUCH SERVICE WITHIN ONE YEAR, AND WERE DISCHARGED OR RELEASED BEFORE AUGUST 13, 1981 Pub. L. 97–72, title I, §103(c), Nov. 3, 1981, 95 Stat. 1049, as amended by Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406, provided that: ‘‘(1) Section 1712(b)(1)(B)(iii)(I) [now 1712(a)(1)(B)(iii)(I), formerly 612(b)(1)(B)(iii)(I)] of title 38, United States Code, shall apply only to veterans dis- charged or released from active military, naval, or air service after August 12, 1981. ‘‘(2) A veteran who before August 13, 1981— ‘‘(A) was discharged or released from active mili- tary, naval, or air service, ‘‘(B) reentered such service within one year after the date of such discharge or release, and ‘‘(C) was discharged or released from such subse- quent service, may be provided dental services and treatment in the same manner as provided for in section 1712(b) [now 1712(a), formerly 612(b)] of title 38, United States Code, if the veteran is otherwise eligible for such services and treatment and if application for such services and treatment is or was made within one year from the date of such subsequent discharge or release.’’ STUDY OF HOME MODIFICATIONS FOR TOTALLY BLINDED SERVICE-CONNECTED VETERANS; REPORT NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 1, 1979 Pub. L. 96–22, title V, § 505, June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 67, directed Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs to submit a report to Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of Senate and House of Representatives not later than Oct. 1, 1979, on needs of veterans who are totally blind from

Source: Supplied 2024 U.S. Code historical extraction · 38 U.S.C. § 1712A

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

38 U.S.C. § 1720F — Comprehensive program for suicide pre-

Page 423 TITLE 38—VETERANS’ BENEFITS § 1720F than Mar. 31, 1994, to submit to Congress a comprehen- sive report on the Secretary’s actions under 38 U.S.C. 1720D. § 1720E. Nasopharyngeal radium irradiation (a) The Secretary may provide any veteran a medical examination, and hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care, which the Sec- retary determines is needed for the treatment of any cancer of the head or neck which the Sec- retary finds may be associated with the vet- eran’s receipt of nasopharyngeal radium irradia- tion treatments in active military, naval, air, or space service. (b) The Secretary shall provide care and serv- ices to a veteran under subsection (a) only on the basis of evidence in the service records of the veteran which document nasopharyngeal ra- dium irradiation treatment in service, except that, notwithstanding the absence of such docu- mentation, the Secretary may provide such care to a veteran who— (1) served as an aviator in the active mili- tary, naval, or air service before the end of the Korean conflict; or (2) underwent submarine training in active naval service before January 1, 1965. (Added Pub. L. 105–368, title IX, § 901(a), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3360; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, § 926(a)(27), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3830.) Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS 2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted ‘‘air, or space service’’ for ‘‘or air service’’. § 1720F. Comprehensive program for suicide pre- vention among veterans and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall de- velop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among covered individuals incorporating the components described in this section.

Source: Supplied 2024 U.S. Code historical extraction · 38 U.S.C. § 1720F

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