Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 2.2-2001.1:1 as follows:
§2.2-2001.1:1. Alternative treatment options for certain veterans.
A. As used in this section, "alternative treatment" means a therapeutic service that (i) is not part of the standard of medical care established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for treating traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder but has been shown by at least one scientific or medical peer-reviewed study to have some positive effect on traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder and (ii) is provided at the direction and under the supervision of an individual licensed by the Board of Medicine, Nursing, Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work.
B. The Department shall [ enter into contracts
with one or more providers to provide alternative treatment options for
veterans who have been certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or
any branch of the United States Armed Forces as having a traumatic brain injury
or posttraumatic stress disorder consider the efficacy of
alternative treatments available for the treatment of traumatic brain injury
and posttraumatic stress disorder and report its findings and conclusions to
the Chairmen of the House Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions and the
Senate Committee on Education and Health by November 1, 2018 ] .