Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act

This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence within Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. These centers are designed to research, develop, and provide innovative therapies for veterans suffering from a range of covered conditions , including anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, depression, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. The designated facilities must meet stringent criteria, such as affiliations with accredited medical, psychiatry, and social work schools to ensure comprehensive education and training in these therapies. They must also demonstrate the ability to attract top scientists, establish an advisory committee, and effectively coordinate education, clinical, and research activities across the VA system. A peer review panel composed of experts in innovative therapies will evaluate proposals based on their scientific and clinical merit, ensuring high standards for designation. The bill also mandates the development of a consortium of providers to extend access to state-of-the-art diagnosis and care for innovative therapies throughout the VA medical system, including facilities without dedicated centers. Furthermore, it requires the creation of a national repository for collecting data on health services related to these treatments. An annual authorization of $30,000,000 is provided to support the centers' research and education activities, with additional funding allocated from other VA medical accounts.