Sec. 704. Advisory boards on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs relating to health care
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For each entity described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through the director of that entity, establish not later than 180 days after the effective date specified in subsection
(h)an advisory board at that entity on matters relating to outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs at that entity. An entity described in this paragraph is— a healthcare system of the Department; or a Veterans Integrated System Network, if such Veterans Integrated System Network does not contain a healthcare system. Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall be, to the maximum extent practicable, composed of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the following: Individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations. Representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media. Individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image. Individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service. Employees of the Department who are involved in press and public relations strategy for an entity described in subsection (a)(2). To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have experience in press and public relations. The participation of an individual selected under paragraph
(1)shall be at the election of the individual. Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) at an entity described in subsection (a)(2) shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs— to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is strategically and effectively— engaging the public and Department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding benefits and services furnished by the Department; explaining new or changing policies of the Department; improving the image and reputation of the Department; coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local government agencies; and coordinating and collaborating on efforts within the Department for the development, implementation, and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include— compensation and pension benefits; insurance benefits; burial and memorial benefits; education benefits; vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits; readjustment counseling benefits; loan guarantee benefits; and such other benefits as the Secretary considers appropriate; and to assist the director of that entity in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the Department as that advisory board considers appropriate. If teleconference technology is not used, meetings of each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall be held at a location that is property of the Department. Each advisory board shall use, to the maximum extent practicable, teleconference technology. Each director of an entity described in subsection (a)(2) shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory board established at such entity not less frequently than once every two months on matters relating to the duties of the advisory board under subsection (c). Not less frequently than each year, each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall submit to the Secretary a report with such information as may be beneficial to the Secretary in preparing the reports required by section 6308 of title 38, United States Code. Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) and the authorities and requirements of this section shall terminate three years after the effective date specified in subsection (h). This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.