VETERANS AFFAIRS Week of April 2

SF 2245 – IVH study of dual diagnosis treatment program

FLOOR ACTION:

SF 2245 requires the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) to study the establishment of an on-site post-traumatic stress dual diagnosis treatment program, including an evaluation of various funding sources, program structure, program requirements and the need for such a program for veterans in Iowa. The focus will be a dual-diagnosis program for individuals seeking treatment for service-connected post-traumatic stress and substance abuse. The House amended the Senate version by striking the language setting up an interim committee and moving the responsibility of the study to the Commandant and staff, which includes IVH medical professionals and mental health specialists.

The IVH Commandant will prepare a report on the findings and submit it to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, the Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Legislature and the Governor by January 15, 2013. The report will include recommendations regarding creation of such a program at the IVH. The Senate concurred with the House amendment. [4/3: 48-0]