Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment for Veterans Act

This bill establishes a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to significantly expand access to virtual-based opioid treatment for eligible veterans. Within 180 days of enactment, the VA Secretary must initiate this program, focusing on outreach to veterans and their families regarding virtual treatment options available through the Veterans Community Care Program. Key provisions include developing robust referral networks and a referral pipeline designed to overcome common barriers to traditional opioid treatment, supported by a national public awareness campaign. The program also mandates that Veterans Health Administration clinicians and peer-support specialists are informed about these community care virtual options, and an interagency task force will ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach. Additionally, the bill requires a study on the societal impact of barriers to substance use disorder treatment, with a report detailing findings and recommendations for effective virtual models. This report must be updated annually until the opioid crisis is no longer deemed a public health emergency, summarizing the pilot program's progress in addressing identified treatment barriers. The program is set to terminate after two years, but the Secretary may extend it if proven effective in improving veterans' health outcomes.