Sec. 315. Program on health promotion for veterans through establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs fitness facilities
514 words·~2 min read·
/bill/113/s/1950/pcs/section-315A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Commencing not later than 180 days after the date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health in covered veterans, including achieving a healthy weight, through establishment of Department of Veterans Affairs fitness facilities. For purposes of this section, a covered veteran is any veteran who is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established and operated by the Secretary under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code.
The program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program. The Secretary shall carry out the program by establishing fitness facilities in Department facilities as follows: In not fewer than five Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program. In not fewer than five outpatient clinics of the Department selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program. In selecting locations for the program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
Rural areas. Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation. Areas in different geographic locations. In establishing and supporting a fitness facility in a facility of the Department under the program, the Secretary may expend amounts as follows: For establishment and support of a fitness facility in a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, not more than $60,000. For establishment and support of a fitness facility in an outpatient clinic of the Department, not more than $40,000.
Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may, in carrying out the program, repurpose existing physical space of the Department and purchase such fitness equipment and supplies as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the program. Existing physical space used for the direct delivery of health care to patients may not be repurposed under paragraph (1). The Secretary may not assess a fee upon a covered veteran for use of a fitness facility established under the program.
The participation of a covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of the covered veteran. Not later than 90 days after the date of the commencement of the program and not less frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on activities carried out to implement the program, including outreach activities to veterans and community organizations.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the completion of the program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the program detailing— the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a result of the program; and recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program. This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.