119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9247
The ON TIME Act (Outreach Now: Timely Intervention for Mental Health Emergencies Act) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that a suicide prevention coordinator is available at each VA medical center, including during hours when the facility is normally closed, to provide suicide prevention planning services when needed. The bill affects all VA medical centers nationwide and the veterans they serve who may need mental health crisis support outside regular business hours. The legislation specifically prohibits the VA from hiring additional full-time staff positions to meet this requirement, meaning the department must fulfill the mandate using existing personnel or alternative staffing arrangements. This bill addresses a gap in suicide prevention services for veterans by guaranteeing access to specialized coordinators around the clock rather than only during standard operating hours.