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HF 326

A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eddie Andrews and 18 co-sponsors

HF 326 establishes a pilot program to reimburse eligible veterans for hyperbaric oxygen treatment, aiming to improve health outcomes for those with PTSD and brain injuries.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 518.
#medicalcare #oxygen #pilotprograms #veteransaffairs
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Bill Summary · HF 326

Summary of HF 326 - Veterans Recovery Pilot Program

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 326
Title: A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans and making appropriations.
Status: Renumbered as HF 518 after committee report approval.
Introduced: February 11, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Medical Care, Oxygen, Pilot Programs, Veterans Affairs

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 326 is to establish a pilot program aimed at supporting veterans through the reimbursement of expenses associated with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. This initiative is designed to assist veterans suffering from conditions such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing access to a treatment that may improve their health outcomes.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of the Veterans Recovery Pilot Program:
    The bill creates a new program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will oversee the reimbursement process for eligible veterans receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

  • Definitions:
    New Code section 35E.1 provides essential definitions relevant to the program, including:

    • Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: Treatment involving the use of FDA-approved hyperbaric chambers or devices for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic brain injury, or PTSD.
    • Veteran: Defined for the purposes of eligibility within the program.

  • Funding and Implementation:
    The program's operation is contingent upon the availability of sufficient funds. The Department of Veterans Affairs is tasked with adopting rules to implement and manage the program effectively.

  • Reporting Requirements:
    The Department of Veterans Affairs must provide reports on the program's implementation and effectiveness, ensuring accountability and transparency.

  • Repeal Clause:
    The provisions of this chapter will be repealed on July 1, 2031, unless extended or modified by future legislation.

  • Directive for Rule Adoption:
    The Department of Veterans Affairs is required to submit a notice of intended action for rule adoption by January 1, 2026, to facilitate the program's rollout.

Impact

  • Who Will Be Affected:
    The bill primarily impacts veterans eligible for hyperbaric oxygen treatment, healthcare practitioners involved in prescribing such treatments, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will administer the program.

  • Potential Benefits:
    By providing financial support for hyperbaric oxygen treatment, the program aims to improve the health and recovery of veterans facing serious medical challenges, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 11, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Veterans Affairs.
  • February 13, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held.
  • February 19, 2025: Committee report recommending passage; committee vote resulted in 16 yeas and 0 nays.
  • February 20, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; renumbered as HF 518.

This summary provides an overview of HF 326, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and the potential impact on veterans' healthcare.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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