HR1947-119

What This Bill Does

The TREAT PTSD Act creates a mandatory treatment option for veterans and servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder. VA must furnish stellate ganglion block to any VA-enrolled veteran diagnosed with PTSD who chooses the therapy after a qualified health care provider explains risks and benefits. VA may provide the care through a VA medical facility or an eligible community provider. The Defense Department must furnish the same treatment to TRICARE-enrolled members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who are performing or have performed active service, have PTSD, and elect the therapy after counseling; DoD may use military facilities or TRICARE-participating providers. Within 180 days, VA and DoD must update their joint PTSD clinical practice guideline to reflect stellate ganglion block availability and include clinical indicators and contraindicators, then notify defense and veterans committees. The treatment provisions take effect 180 days after enactment.

Who Benefits and How

Veterans diagnosed with PTSD benefit from guaranteed access to stellate ganglion block through VA or community care if they elect it after counseling. Servicemembers and reservists with PTSD benefit from TRICARE-covered access through military or participating civilian providers. Pain and interventional medicine clinicians benefit from clearer VA and DoD pathways for furnishing stellate ganglion block. Congressional veterans and defense committees benefit from notice after the joint PTSD guideline is updated.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Department of Veterans Affairs must furnish the therapy, update clinical pathways, and coordinate VA or community delivery. The Department of Defense must furnish the therapy through military or TRICARE providers and update PTSD guidance with VA. VA and TRICARE budgets bear the cost of expanded stellate ganglion block treatment. Qualified health care providers must counsel patients on risks, benefits, indicators, and contraindicators before election.

Key Provisions

• Requires VA to furnish stellate ganglion block to enrolled veterans diagnosed with PTSD who elect the therapy.
• Requires DoD to furnish stellate ganglion block to TRICARE-enrolled servicemembers and reservists with PTSD.
• Allows treatment through VA facilities, community care, military facilities, or TRICARE-participating providers.
• Directs VA and DoD to update the joint PTSD clinical practice guideline within 180 days with availability, indicators, and contraindicators.