Maryland § 13-3901 - IN EFFECT

§ 13-3901. IN EFFECT

    IN EFFECT

    // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 35 OF 2019 //

    (a)    The Department shall develop a comprehensive action plan to increase access to and availability of professional veteran health services to prevent veteran suicides that includes:

        (1)    Short–term initiatives and reforms and a plan for State implementation beginning on or before July 1, 2021; and

        (2)    Long–term initiatives and reforms and a plan for State implementation beginning on or before July 1, 2023.

    (b)    The action plan developed under subsection (a) of this section shall:

        (1)    Identify opportunities for raising awareness of and providing resources for veteran suicide prevention;

        (2)    Identify opportunities to increase access to veteran mental health services;

        (3)    Identify funding resources to provide accessible and affordable veteran mental health services;

        (4)    Provide measures to expand public–private partnerships to ensure access to quality and timely mental health services;

        (5)    Provide for proactive outreach measures to reach veterans needing care;

        (6)    Provide for peer–to–peer service coordination, including training, certification, recertification, and continuing education for peer coordinators; and

        (7)    Address suicide prevention awareness, measures, and training regarding veterans who are involved in the justice system.

    (c)    The Department shall collaborate with interested parties in developing the plan required under subsection (a) of this section, including:

        (1)    The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families;

        (2)    The United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

        (3)    The Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center Implementation Academy of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services;

        (4)    Veteran advocacy groups;

        (5)    Medical providers; and

        (6)    Any other interested party the Department considers appropriate.

    (d)    (1)    The Department shall implement the short–term initiatives and reforms in the plan developed under subsection (a)(1) of this section on or before June 30, 2023.

        (2)    The Department shall implement the long–term initiatives and reforms in the plan required under subsection (a)(2) of this section on or before June 30, 2029.