AN ACT ENTITLED THE "MISSISSIPPI VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION THERAPY QUALITY OF CARE ACT OF 2026"; TO SET FORTH THE PURPOSE OF THE ACT; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE PROGRAM; TO DESCRIBE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD IN MAINTAINING THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE STATE VETERANS AFFAIRS BOARD TO CREATE A PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROGRAM; TO OUTLINE CRITERIA THE PLAN MUST MEET; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO COMPLETE THE PLAN AND MAKE IT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2026; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO PERIODICALLY UPDATE THE PLAN AND MAKE SUCH UPDATES PUBLICLY AVAILABLE; TO PROHIBIT UNETHICAL CONDUCT AND IMPROPER COLLECTION OF FEES RELATING TO ASSISTANCE OR REFERRALS IN VETERANS BENEFITS MATTERS; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVES COMPENSATION FOR ASSISTING AN INDIVIDUAL REGARDING ANY VETERANS BENEFITS IS HELD TO THE SAME ETHICAL STANDARD AS AN ATTORNEY; TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE DEEMED A DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE ACTIONABLE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 75-24-5, 75-24-15 AND 35-3-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-17-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SHALL SET ASIDE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF THE MONIES RECEIVED BY THE STATE UNDER THE FEDERAL TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES BLOCK GRANT DURING EACH FISCAL YEAR TO FUND GRANTS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SPECIFICALLY WORKING WITH MILITARY OR FIRST RESPONDER FAMILIES, OR BOTH, TO PROVIDE MARRIAGE COUNSELING, PREPARATION AND SUPPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-17-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING PROVISION; TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS CLAIMS REPRESENTATION PROTECTION ACT; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO PROHIBIT UNACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES FROM REPRESENTING, ADVISING OR ASSISTING VETERANS OR DEPENDENTS IN PREPARING OR FILING CLAIMS FOR VA BENEFITS; TO PROHIBIT UNACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES FROM ADVERTISING OR HOLDING THEMSELVES OUT AS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING CERTAIN SERVICES; TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO MAINTAIN A REGISTRY OF ACCREDITED VA CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVES AND PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN IDENTIFYING THE SAME; TO REQUIRE A STUDY ON THE QUALITY OF CARE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION THERAPY CARE PROVIDED BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMPARED TO NONDEPARTMENT PROVIDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
This legislation mandates the creation of a strategic plan which will be made publicly available, detailing how mental health needs will be assessed and met. The board will also ensure coordination among crisis centers to provide follow-up services, improve awareness of available resources on mental health crises, and ensure proper data collection. By establishing this structured approach, the bill aims to improve outcomes for veterans and take proactive measures against suicide, which is a significant concern among military populations.
Summary
Senate Bill 2667, known as the Mississippi Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act of 2026, is designed to enhance mental health services for military veterans and current members of the Mississippi National Guard. The primary aim of this act is to establish the Mississippi Veterans Suicide Prevention Lifeline Program, improving access to mental health and addiction therapy while addressing prevalent healthcare issues faced by veterans. The State Veterans Affairs Board is tasked with implementing and maintaining this program, ensuring that veterans can access necessary support at all times.
Contention
Notably, the bill includes provisions to regulate the conduct of those assisting veterans with claims for benefits, equating ethical standards for compensation with those of attorneys. This provision aims to protect veterans from unethical practices regarding veterans benefits matters. By holding all representatives to the same standard, the legislation seeks to provide a safeguard against deceptive practices that may exploit veterans, thereby reinforcing the purpose of the act to prioritize the well-being of that vulnerable demographic.