Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a new Office of Novel Therapeutics within the VA to coordinate the evaluation, research, and rollout of new mental health treatments for veterans, including psychedelic-assisted therapies currently under FDA review.
• The office will develop national safety standards, training requirements, and clinical models for administering intensive therapies that differ from traditional outpatient mental health care, including preparation, monitored sessions, and follow-up integration.
• The VA will designate centers of excellence at medical centers across the country to lead research, train staff, and share best practices for emerging treatments. At least one facility per regional network must be prepared for these new therapies.
• A Veteran Advisory Committee will be created, including veterans with mental health treatment experience, their family members, and researchers, to provide input on patient safety, informed consent, and access barriers.
• The VA must coordinate with the FDA, DEA, CMS, and Department of Defense on regulatory readiness, reimbursement pathways, and drug scheduling issues. Within 180 days of enactment, the VA must submit a national preparedness strategy to Congress.