FL S1518

Creates section 295.156 of Florida Statutes authorizing the Department of Veterans' Affairs to contract with state universities or Florida College System institutions to provide alternative treatment options for veterans with service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

Authorized alternative treatments include accelerated resolution therapy, equine therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, music therapy, and service animal training therapy, all managed and monitored by the contracting institution.

Veterans qualify for alternative treatment if diagnosed by a health care practitioner with service-connected PTSD or traumatic brain injury, voluntarily agree to treatment, and have previously sought services through the federal VA system or private health insurance.

Requires alternative treatment to be directed and supervised by a licensed provider under chapters 458, 459, 460, 464, 490, or 491 of Florida Statutes, with providers agreeing to collect efficacy assessment data.

Mandates the Department of Veterans' Affairs submit an annual report by January 1 (beginning in 2020) to the Governor and Legislature detailing treatments provided, provider types, number of veterans served, and treatment outcomes; takes effect July 1, 2019.