Rogers / 1 Senator Mills

S.__SS___

A BILL
To mandate mental rehabilitation centers to provide support for post war veterans.
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This act may be cited as the Veterans Suicide Act of 2017.
SECTION 2. FINDINGS
Congress hereby finds and declares that,
1) Veterans comprise 20% of national suicides.
2) Approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day.
3) Three out of five veterans who died by suicide were diagnosed as having a mental health condition.
4) Approximately 18.5% of service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD) or depression.

5) Approximately 50% of returning service members who need treatment for mental health conditions seek
it, but only slightly more than half who receive treatment receive adequate care.
6)1,300 suicide deaths, attempts, and reports of serious ideation per month among Veterans receiving care
reported to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) suicide prevention coordinators
7) Although veterans make up only 10 percent of the population, they account for nearly one in five of all
suicides in America.
8) Approximately 66% of all Veteran deaths from suicide were the result of firearm injuries.
9)After adjusting for differences in age and gender, risk for suicide was 21% higher among Veterans when
compared to U.S. civilian adults.
10) About 950 attempts/month among Veterans receiving care in VHA as reported by VA Suicide
Prevention Program Staff.
SECTION 3. STATUTORY LANGUAGE
A) The Veterans Suicide Act of 2017 shall require all personnel that is serving in combat are to be placed in

mental institutions postwar for as long as deemed necessary. The patient shall be evaluated and examined
for mental health illnesses and can be released only by a clear from a doctor. Any veteran that does not
attend a mental institution shall be fined or otherwise sentenced depending on the severity of what has been
done. Veterans deemed mentally ill are to be placed into rehab programs fit for the illness. How long the
veteran is in the program shall be determined by their doctor. Veterans deemed mentally ill and in risk of
suicidal thoughts are to be monitored extra. Veterans who go through rehab programs are to have a
minimum of 3 check ups upon release. Doctors decide the number of check ups for their patients upon
releasing them. Doctors shall be assigned a certain number of patients and nurses or assistants. Mental
Institutions shall be placed near naval, army or military bases. Patients shall be allowed visitors once a
week. Visitors are to only be family members. Doctors decide the number of check ups for their patients
upon releasing them. The patient shall be evaluated and examined for mental health illnesses and can be
released only by a clear from a doctor. Any suicide that happens while the patient is in rehab or after release
shall be recorded through the hospital.
B) This law shall be enforced and upheld by government run mental institutions. Funding will be provided through
military and army funds. Family members shall have to pay certain expenses. These expenses shall be worked out
upon patient entry into the mental rehabilitation center.
C) Any veteran found breaking this law will be prosecuted according to Veteran Suicide Act 2017. This law will go
into effect January 1, 2020