TREAT PTSD Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1947
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-16T08:06:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The TREAT PTSD Act (H.R. 1947) aims to expand access to stellate ganglion block (SGB)—a medical procedure involving an injection to temporarily block certain nerves in the neck, which may help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—for eligible veterans and members of the Armed Forces. It directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to provide this treatment as an option for those diagnosed with PTSD.
Key Provisions
- Treatment for Veterans: The VA must offer SGB to any veteran enrolled in its patient system who has a PTSD diagnosis and elects the treatment after being informed of its risks and benefits by a qualified healthcare provider. This can be provided through VA facilities or approved community providers.
- Treatment for Service Members: The DoD must offer SGB to active duty or reserve members enrolled in the TRICARE health program who have a PTSD diagnosis and elect the treatment after informed consent. Delivery can occur through military facilities or TRICARE-participating providers.
- Guideline Update: Within 180 days of enactment, the VA and DoD must revise their joint "VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of PTSD" to include SGB as a therapy option, detailing when it is appropriate (clinical indicators) and when it should be avoided (contraindications). They must then notify relevant congressional committees of the update.
- Effective Date: The new treatment requirements take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code (governing VA benefits) by adding a new section (1720M) mandating SGB provision for qualifying veterans, with a corresponding update to the chapter's table of contents.
- Amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code (governing armed forces) by adding a new section (1074p) requiring SGB for qualifying service members under TRICARE, including a table of contents update.
- Introduces SGB as a federally mandated treatment option in VA and DoD PTSD care protocols, which were not previously required; this builds on existing mental health services but specifies this emerging therapy.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA and DoD will need to train providers, integrate SGB into care systems, and update guidelines, potentially increasing administrative and medical resource demands. This could lead to higher short-term costs for implementation but may reduce long-term PTSD-related healthcare expenses if effective.
- On Citizens: Veterans and service members with PTSD gain a new, elective treatment choice, potentially improving mental health outcomes and quality of life for those who respond well to SGB. It promotes informed patient decision-making without mandating the procedure.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. military and veteran healthcare.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Service Members: Primarily those diagnosed with PTSD who are enrolled in VA or TRICARE programs; they benefit from expanded treatment access.
- VA and DoD: Responsible for delivering care, updating guidelines, and ensuring provider availability.
- Healthcare Providers: VA, military, and community-based professionals who must be qualified to administer SGB and provide informed consent discussions.
- Congressional Committees: Defense and Veterans' Affairs committees receive notifications and oversee implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal obligations under veterans' and military health laws by codifying access to an emerging therapy, ensuring consistency in PTSD care across agencies. It emphasizes patient election and informed consent, aligning with medical ethics standards.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; the bill falls within Congress's authority to regulate military and veteran benefits (Article I, Section 8).
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support for veteran mental health (introduced by multiple representatives) and could influence future debates on innovative treatments versus evidence-based standards, as SGB's efficacy for PTSD is still under study. It may set a precedent for mandating specific therapies in federal health programs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (5 pages)