What does Preamble of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code. The proposed amendment aims to expand access to the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The expansion would include certain veterans seeking mental health or substance-use services.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Never Fight Alone Act

What does FINDINGS. of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182). Congress intended the VA MISSION Act to reform and replace a previous program to ensure veterans' access to community health care. The eligibility standards established by the VA MISSION Act were not intended to limit health care options for veterans or community providers. Many veterans lack access to a VA medical facility in their community, and facilities may not adequately address all veteran health needs. Congress intended all medical services, including mental health treatments, to be available to veterans in the community. The Department is reportedly limiting veterans' access to community care for mental health treatments. Veteran suicide rates remain high despite Department efforts. The Department should not require veterans to wait 30 days for mental health service approval. Telehealth is a valuable option for underserved veterans, but is not equivalent to in-person care, especially for those in crisis.

What does EXPANSION OF VETERANS COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE ACCESS of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This section amends Section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, to expand the Veterans Community Care Program The expansion includes access to mental health or substance-use services for veterans unable to timely access mental health residential treatment programs The Secretary shall ensure that referral to an alternate program does not take precedence over timely access to services unless requested by the veteran Minimum standards are established for residential mental health or substance-use services, including licensure, accreditation, and treatment program standards The Secretary must develop or amend existing access standards to ensure access to mental health care is not more restrictive than specialty care

What does PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN LIMITATIONS ON ACCESS OF VETERANS TO of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This section amends section 1703(n) of title 38, United States Code. The Secretary may not determine a covered veteran ineligible for care or services solely because health care providers cannot comply with wait times or access standards. If multiple care or service options are available, the Secretary shall allow the veteran to choose their preferred option.

What does DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY CARE METRICS. of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This section amends Section 1703(m)(1) of title 38, United States Code. The amendment requires reviews to include data on care or services requested, approved, denied, and appealed. Reviews must also include data on mental health care and emergency care authorizations.

What does LIMITATION ON MODIFICATION OF COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS STANDARDS. of Never Fight Alone Act do?

This section limits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' ability to modify conditions for care required under section 1703(d) of title 38, United States Code. Modifications to these conditions, made on or after the enactment of this Act, are restricted. Such modifications cannot take effect until a joint resolution approving them is enacted. Exceptions to this limitation are provided in section 3(b).

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Never Fight Alone Act

Last updated: 5/12/2026 · Introduced: 5/12/2026

Author: Jimmy Patronis (R-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill expands the Veterans Community Care Program to include access to mental health or substance-use services for veterans who cannot timely access these services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is prohibited from determining a veteran ineligible for care or services solely because healthcare providers cannot comply with wait times or access standards.
The bill requires the development of community care metrics, including data on mental health care and emergency care authorizations, and limits the Secretary's ability to modify community care access standards without congressional approval.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1912(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

7 sections

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