H.F. 3695 Summary

• Authorizes the Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to contract with individuals, organizations, the University of Minnesota, or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to provide alternative treatments for veterans certified with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or armed forces.

• Defines "alternative treatment" as any treatment not part of standard VA medical care but supported by at least one scientific or medical peer-reviewed study showing positive effect for traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Authorizes provision of ten specific alternative treatments: accelerated resolution therapy, acupuncture, art therapy, equine therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (with physician prescription), meditation therapy, music therapy, outdoor and indoor sports therapy, service animal training therapy, and yoga therapy.

• Requires alternative treatment to be part of a veteran's treatment plan as prescribed by a health care professional licensed under Minnesota Statutes chapter 147.

• Grants the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs rulemaking authority to implement the section.