PUBLIC LAW 96-22—JUNE 13, 1979 ment to ascertain whether such veteran has niental or psychological problems associated with readjustment to civilian life. "(b)(1) If, on the basis of the assessment furnished under subsection (a) of this section, a physician or psychologist employed by the Veterans' Administration (or, in areas where no such physician or psychologist is available, a physician or psychologist carrying out such function under a contract or fee arrangement with the Administrator) determines that the provision of mental health services to such veteran is necessary to facilitate the successful readjustment of the veteran to civilian life, such veteran shall, within the limits of Veterans' Administration facilities, be furnished such services on an outpatient basis under the conditions specified in clause (1)(B) of section 612(f) of this title. For the purposes of furnishing such mental health services, the counseling furnished under subsection (a) of this section shall be considered to have been furnished by the Veterans' Administration as a part of hospital care. Any hospital care and other medical services considered necessary on the basis of the assessment furnished under subsection (a) of this section shall be furnished only in accordance with the eligibility criteria otherwise set forth in this chapter (including the eligibility criteria set forth in section 611(b) of this title). "(2) Mental health services furnished under paragraph (1) of this subsection may, if determined to be essential to the effective treatment and readjustment of the veteran, include such consultation, counseling, training, services, and expenses as are described in section 601(6)(B) of this title. "(c) Upon receipt of a request for counseling under this section from any individual who has been discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service but who is not eligible for such counseling, the Administrator shall— "(1) provide referral services to assist such individual, to the maximum extent practicable, in obtaining mental health care and services from sources outside the Veterans' Administration; and "(2) if pertinent, advise such individual of such individual's rights to apply to the appropriate military, naval, or air service and the Veterans' Administration for review of such individual's discharge or release from such service. "(d) The Chief Medical Director may provide for such training of professional, paraprofessional, and lay personnel as is necessary to carry out this section effectively, and, in carrying out this section, may utilize the services of paraprofessionals, individuals who are volunteers working without compensation, and individuals who are veteran-students (as described in section 1685 of this title), in initial intake and screening activities. "(e)(1) In furnishing counseling and related mental health services under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Administrator shall have available the same authority to enter into contracts with private facilities that is available to the Administrator (under sections 612(f)(2) and 601(4)(C)(ii) of this title) in furnishing medical services to veterans suffering from total service-connected disabilities. "(2) Before furnishing counseling or related mental health services described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section through a contract facility, as authorized by this subsection, the Administrator shall approve (in accordance with criteria which the Administrator shall prescribe by regulation) the quality and effectiveness of the program
-194 O — 81
6: QL3
93 STAT. 49
Outpatient service.
38 USC 612.
38 USC 611.
38 USC 601.
Training of professional, paraprofessional and lay personnel. 38 USC 1685.
38 USC 612, 601.
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