MA S1538

Establishes the Veteran Breakthrough Treatments Program within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to fund clinical research, treatment, and provider training for FDA-designated breakthrough therapies targeting PTSD, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression

Targets Massachusetts veterans and first responders (police, firefighters, state police, emergency reserve volunteers) as eligible recipients for these breakthrough therapy treatments

Creates a 7-member Veteran Breakthrough Treatments and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council with 3 gubernatorial appointees, 2 Senate appointees, and 2 House appointees, each appointing authority required to name at least one veteran

Advisory council responsibilities include developing grant criteria, provider licensing standards, treatment facility standards, patient safety protocols, insurance reimbursement strategies, and public awareness campaigns on veteran suicide

Similar legislation was filed in the previous session as House Bill 4218 (2023-2024)