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Public Law117th CongressArmed Forces and National Security
H.R. 2724Became Law

VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

This bill became law

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Law

What it doesSummary public law (Dec 27, 2022)

This act prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim.

As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence.

Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.

What just happenedDec 27, 2022

Became Public Law No: 117-271.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Delgado, Antonio [D-NY-19](D-NY)Sponsor
39 cosponsors35 D4 R
Read on Congress.gov
39cosponsors2committees28actions1related bills6subjects
  1. Dec 27, 2022President

    Became Public Law No: 117-271.

  2. Dec 27, 2022BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 117-271.

  3. Dec 27, 2022President

    Signed by President.

  4. Dec 27, 2022BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Dec 23, 2022Floor

    Presented to President.

  6. Dec 23, 2022President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Dec 16, 2022Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  8. Dec 15, 2022Floor

    Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7268)

  9. Dec 15, 2022Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

  10. Dec 15, 2022Discharge

    Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  11. Dec 15, 2022Committee14500

    Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  12. May 19, 2022IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  13. May 18, 2022FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  14. May 18, 2022FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 - 0 (Roll no. 224). (text: CR H5109)

  15. May 18, 2022Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 - 0 (Roll no. 224).

  16. May 18, 2022FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5168-5169)

  17. May 18, 2022FloorH37220

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  18. May 18, 2022FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2724.

  19. May 18, 2022FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5109-5110)

  20. May 18, 2022FloorH30300

    Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  21. Apr 6, 2022Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  22. Apr 6, 2022Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  23. Apr 6, 2022Committee

    Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  24. Oct 20, 2021Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee
  25. Jul 14, 2021Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

    Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee
  26. Apr 21, 2021IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  27. Apr 21, 2021IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  28. Apr 21, 2021IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Public LawDec 27, 202249

This act prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim.

As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence.

Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.

Passed HouseMay 18, 202253

This bill prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim.

As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence.

Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.

Introduced in HouseApr 21, 2021

VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that each individual who files a claim relating to military sexual trauma is assigned a peer support specialist during the claims process, unless the individual elects to not have such support.

Under the bill, a peer support specialist must be trained as a victim advocate and may not be responsible for any part of adjudicating the individual's claim.

VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act — Informed