A concurrent resolution urging Congress to provide veterans with medical coverage for hyperbaric oxygenation therapy.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 3011 is a nonbinding resolution urging Congress to ensure veterans have medical coverage for hyperbaric oxygenation therapy. The resolution cites the prevalence and consequences of concussions and traumatic brain injury, and argues that veterans with traumatic brain injuries or posttraumatic stress disorder should have access to additional treatment options beyond symptom-managing medications. It describes hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment that may support healing and reduce or alleviate symptoms associated with brain injury.
The measure does not change North Dakota law or create a state program. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position and directs the Secretary of State to transmit the resolution to each member of Congress. Its practical effect is advocacy: it seeks to influence federal veterans’ health coverage policy, particularly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Congress, rather than altering state statutes or benefits.
Impact
HCR 3011 has no direct effect on North Dakota statutes, regulations, or state agency duties. As a concurrent resolution, it is advisory and symbolic, using the Legislature’s formal voice to request federal action on veterans’ medical coverage. The resolution could be used to support advocacy for expanded access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans with traumatic brain injuries or PTSD, but any actual coverage change would require federal policy or legislative action.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive of veterans and favorable toward hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment option. The bill text frames the issue as a matter of improving care, reducing costs, and avoiding overreliance on medications. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented opposition or amendment debate in the provided materials.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the medical and policy basis for covering hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans, since the resolution presents it as promising and effective but does not cite a formal clinical consensus or federal coverage determination. Potential skeptics could question the strength of the evidence, the cost of coverage, or whether Congress and the VA should prioritize this therapy over other treatments. However, no recorded committee discussion or vote history is available here to identify specific legislators or organized opposition.
Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to enable veterans to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy for both traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A RESOLUTION to urge the United States Congress to enact legislation and request that the Veterans Administration work to expand and improve efforts to treat traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
TBI and PTSD Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
TBI and PTSD Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.