This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five specialized medical centers focused on innovative therapies—including ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine—for treating conditions like PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and substance use disorders in veterans. Selected facilities must meet rigorous standards, including partnerships with medical schools and psychiatry programs, advisory committees with veteran input, and the ability to conduct research and coordinate care across VA hospitals nationwide. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for these centers' research and education activities, with additional funding to be allocated from existing VA medical budgets as needed. A peer review panel of experts will evaluate facility proposals based on scientific and clinical merit, ensuring geographic distribution across the country, and the VA must submit annual reports to Congress detailing center activities, findings, and recommendations for improving veteran access to these therapies. The legislation takes effect upon enactment, with initial reports due two years after the law passes.
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