STUDY ON TREATMENT FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

SEC. 504. STUDY ON TREATMENT FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study examining—(1) the availability of treatment programs for veterans with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (including both inpatient and outpatient care); (2) any geographic disparities in access to such programs, such as for rural and remote veterans; and (3) the average wait times for care under such programs.136 STAT. 5516 (b) Report.—(1) In general.—Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a). (2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include—(A) any recommendations resulting from the study conducted under subsection (a) with respect to improving timeliness and quality of care and meeting treatment preferences for veterans with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; and (B) a description of any actions taken by the Secretary to improve care for such veterans.