US HB740

Codifies eligibility standards for the Veterans Community Care Program: primary care/mental health appointments must be available within 30 minutes driving time and 20 days; specialty care within 60 minutes driving time and 28 days—otherwise veterans can seek non-VA care

Requires VA to notify veterans within 2 business days of their eligibility for community care or denial of care requests, including appeal instructions; extends claims submission deadline for providers from 180 days to one year

Establishes standardized screening for VA mental health residential treatment programs with priority admission criteria (suicide risk, unsafe living situations, overdose risk) and 48-hour screening/admission timelines; requires non-VA facility referrals if VA cannot meet timelines

Creates a pilot program allowing veterans to access outpatient mental health and substance use services from community providers without referral or pre-authorization at 5+ locations for 3 years

Requires development of an online self-service module for veterans to request appointments, track referrals, and appeal care denials; mandates annual reports on community care program utilization and outcomes