Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program, 52575-52580 [2011-21407]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52575-52580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21407]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 63

RIN 2900-AN73


Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes regulations for contracting with 
community-based treatment facilities in the Health Care for Homeless 
Veterans (HCHV) program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The 
HCHV program assists certain homeless veterans in obtaining treatment 
from non-VA community-based providers. The final rule formalizes VA's 
policies and procedures in connection with this program and clarifies 
that veterans with substance use disorders may qualify for the program.

DATES: Effective Date: September 22, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hallett, Healthcare for 
Homeless Veterans Manager, c/o Bedford VA Medical Center, 200 Springs 
Road, Bldg. 12, Bedford, MA 01730; (781) 687-3187 (this is not a toll 
free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The HCHV program is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 
2031, under which VA may provide outreach as well as ``care, treatment, 
and rehabilitative services (directly or by contract in community-based 
treatment facilities, including halfway houses)'' to ``veterans 
suffering from serious mental illness, including veterans who are 
homeless.'' One of VA's National priorities is a renewed effort to end 
homelessness for veterans. For this reason, we are establishing 
regulations that are consistent with the current administration of this 
program.
    The primary mission of the HCHV program is to use outreach efforts 
to contact and engage veterans who are homeless and suffering from 
serious mental illness or a substance use disorder. Many of the 
veterans for whom the HCHV program is designed have not previously used 
VA medical services or been enrolled in the VA health care system.
    Through the HCHV program, VA identifies homeless veterans with 
serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder, usually through 
medical intervention, and offers community-based care to those whose 
conditions are determined, clinically, to be managed sufficiently that 
the individuals can participate in such care. We have assisted homeless 
veterans with substance use disorders through this program because, 
based on our practical understanding and experience, the vast majority 
of homeless veterans have substance use disorders. Treating substance 
use as a mental disorder is consistent with the generally accepted 
``disease model'' of alcoholism and drug addiction treatment, as well 
as the modern use of medical intervention to treat the condition. We 
believe that if a substance use disorder is a contributing cause of 
homelessness, then that disorder is serious; therefore, it is 
consistent to include such veterans in a program designed for 
``veterans suffering from serious mental illness, including veterans 
who are homeless.'' 38 U.S.C. 2031(a).
    Veterans who are identified and who choose to participate in this 
form of care as part of their treatment plan are then referred by VA to 
an appropriate non-VA community-based provider. In some cases, VA will 
continue to actively medically manage the veteran's condition, while in 
other cases a VA clinician may determine that a veteran can be 
sufficiently managed through utilization of non-medical resources, such 
as 12-step programs.
    To provide the community-based care, the HCHV program contracts 
with non-VA community-based providers, such as halfway houses, to 
provide to these veterans housing and mental health and/or substance 
use disorder

[[Page 52576]]

treatment. VA provides per diem payments to these non-VA community-
based providers for the services provided to veterans. The services 
provided under these contracts are typically short-term, because during 
their stay veteran-participants are connected with other resources 
designed to provide longer-term housing. These contracts, and the per 
diem payment, are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations, and 
the VA supplements thereto contained in the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR chapter 8. These are the rules 
that specifically govern requirements exclusive to VA contracting 
actions.
    On December 20, 2010, we proposed to establish a new 38 CFR part 63 
for the HCHV program because the program is unique and may be 
distinguished from therapeutic housing or other VA programs designed to 
end homelessness. 75 FR 79323. We included a 60-day comment period and 
invited interested persons to submit written comments on or before 
February 18, 2011. We received five comments from members of the 
public.
    A commenter stated that she supported this rulemaking and that the 
HCHV ``program has a solid foundation.'' The commenter further stated 
that the program ``should be successful in finding and helping these 
veterans in need.'' We agree that this rulemaking will help VA better 
serve homeless veterans that have serious mental illness or substance 
use disorders.
    Another commenter stated that we should minimize the paperwork 
burden on veterans by designing and implementing a single information 
technology program that agencies can use to share information about the 
veteran. Although we generally agree that technology increases the 
possibilities for reduced paperwork from veterans and increased 
information-sharing within the government, this comment is outside the 
scope of this rulemaking. The proposed rule addressed contracting with 
non-VA community-based providers to furnish services to certain 
homeless veterans while the comment addresses information sharing. We 
note that the only collection of information required by this 
rulemaking places obligations on the non-VA community based providers 
with whom VA would contract, not homeless veterans. Veterans will only 
have to meet the eligibility criteria in Sec.  63.13(a).
    The same commenter suggested that VA form ``contract[s with] 
facilities that have multiple uses under one roof, providing shelters, 
social and health services * * *, and medical services'' in a single 
facility, so that ``the homeless veteran will only have to go to one 
facility to receive treatment and or live.'' The commenter suggests 
that such a facility would eliminate the burden of travelling to 
different locations and repeating paperwork at each one.
    Section 63.10(a) authorizes VA to ``award per diem contracts to 
non-VA community-based providers who provide temporary residential 
assistance'' and ``who can provide the specific services'' covered by 
the HCHV program regulations. In turn, Sec.  63.15 identifies covered 
services as including therapeutic and rehabilitative services; 
structured group activities, such as group therapy and professional 
counseling; and residential room and board. Thus, the HCHV program 
offers veterans the opportunity to have many of their needs met at one 
particular facility; however, medical needs must be addressed at an 
appropriate medical facility. Moreover, rather than restrict the 
location of services to ``one facility,'' we encourage non-VA 
community-based providers to utilize community services because, based 
on our experience, we believe that the use of community resources is 
vital to the success of homelessness programs and in helping veterans 
return to the community as healthy, productive citizens. We also note 
that VA social workers and caseworkers work closely to place veterans 
in the HCHV program, providing assistance with any paperwork and/or 
logistical burdens.
    Additionally, the rule clearly requires the contract facility to 
assist veterans in obtaining community resources and assistance, and 
applicants are scored based in part on proximity to public 
transportation and community interaction. Thus, we believe that this 
population of veterans is better served by organizations that encourage 
involvement in the community, rather than those that treat the 
population in a more institutionalized fashion by providing all 
services under one roof. We make no change based on the comment.
    A commenter asked what happens to homeless veterans who do not meet 
the eligibility requirements for the HCHV program and recommended that 
the program be open to all homeless veterans.
    The proposed rule addressed homeless veterans, who are seriously 
mentally ill and/or have substance use disorders, while the comment 
addresses other veterans who do not meet the eligibility criteria of 
the HCHV program. These criteria are prescribed by 38 U.S.C. 2031, 
which we interpret as authorizing VA authority to provide care to 
veterans who are both homeless and seriously mentally ill. Section 2031 
does not authorize the broader program proposed by the commenter. We 
discuss this interpretation in greater detail in response to a later 
comment, and make no change based on this comment. However, we note 
that to the extent some homeless veterans will not be covered by this 
program because they are not seriously mentally ill, they will be 
eligible for a wide variety of VA programs designed to reduce or 
eradicate homelessness in our Nation's veteran population, many of 
which are not specifically targeted to veterans that have serious 
mental illness. These include housing support programs such as the 
Grant and Per Diem Program, the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development and VA Supported Housing program, and the Supportive 
Services for Veteran Families program.
    A commenter requested that VA prescribe rules regarding assistance 
for covered veterans after they receive the prescribed 6 months of 
treatment and regarding veterans who are not rehabilitated by the 6-
month course of treatment.
    The proposed rule addressed VA's authority to contract with non-VA 
community-based providers in the administration of the HCHV program, 
which is designed to address the short-term, immediate needs of this 
veteran population, while, simultaneously, efforts are made to connect 
the population with resources that can provide assistance with 
permanent housing and other long-term needs that the HCHV program is 
not equipped to address.
    VA anticipates that the vast majority of veterans who are the 
subject of a contract with a non-VA community based provider under this 
program will have transitioned to a longer term support structure at 
the end of the 6-month period prescribed by this rule. At that point, 
the veteran will likely still be receiving other VA benefits and 
services. It is possible that in some situations, VA will need 
additional time, beyond 6 months, to connect a veteran with a 
particularly challenging case to other services, whether provided by VA 
or not. In such a situation, the rule envisions the possibility of 
extending the contract period for ``extraordinary circumstances'' in 
Sec.  63.10(c)(2). Therefore, we make no change based on this comment.
    A commenter expressed concern that the proposed regulation ``would 
enact a more restrictive interpretation regarding eligibility than 
Congress intended''

[[Page 52577]]

under 38 U.S.C. 2031(a) because it requires a veteran to be both 
homeless and have a serious mental disorder. The commenter argues, 
using statutory interpretation and arguments based on the legislative 
history of section 2031, that (1) ``a veteran's homeless condition is 
sufficient for assistance'' without regard to the veteran having a 
serious mental illness; and (2) that the proposed rule would make the 
statutory homelessness requirement ``surplusage.'' The commenter 
cautions that if VA does not adopt their construction, a ``costly 
adverse judicial determination'' could result.
    As the commenter points out, judicial review of an agency's 
construction of a statute it administers is governed by Chevron, U.S.A. 
Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984). 
To state the law very briefly, Chevron envisions a two-step analysis. 
If the statute is plain, and the intent of Congress is clear, that is 
the end of the matter. If, however, the statute is ambiguous on the 
point at issue, a reviewing court asks whether the agency's 
construction is reasonable.
    We believe the statute is plain on this point. Section 2031(a) 
provides in pertinent part:

    In providing care and services under [38 U.S.C. 1710] to 
veterans suffering from serious mental illness, including veterans 
who are homeless, [VA] may provide (directly or in conjunction with 
a[nother] governmental or other entity)--(1) outreach services; (2) 
care, treatment, and rehabilitative services (directly or by 
contract in community-based treatment facilities, including halfway 
houses); and (3) therapeutic transitional housing assistance * * *

    The statute clearly identifies homeless veterans as a subset of 
veterans who may be suffering from serious mental illness and therefore 
in need of medical care pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 1710. Under the plain 
language of the statute, Congress excluded homeless veterans who do not 
need medical care for a serious mental illness. Congress has authorized 
other programs to assist that segment of the homeless veteran 
population. The reference to section 1710 makes clear that programs 
authorized by section 2031 are for veterans suffering from serious 
mental illness only.
    Even if the statute is ambiguous, our interpretation that it 
applies to veterans who are homeless and have a serious mental illness 
is consistent with Congress' intent. Congress initially enacted what is 
now section 2031 at 38 U.S.C. 1711. Veterans Health Programs 
Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-114, Title II, Sec.  202(a). 
This section was amended and renumbered without substantive change into 
current section 2031. Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 
2001, Public Law 107-95, Sec.  5(b)(2). A separate House bill which 
preceded Public Law 105-114 contained language that is for all relevant 
purposes identical to current section 2031. H.R. 2206 Sec.  2(a), 105th 
Cong. (1997).
    The deliberations surrounding this prior bill clearly illuminate 
Congressional understanding of the language now found in section 2031. 
H. Rep. No. 105-293 (1997). Congress found there to be substantial 
``overlap and redundancy'' among many prior VA statutory authorities 
``targeted primarily to providing psychiatric residential treatment to 
homeless, mentally ill veterans.'' Id. at 10 (emphasis added). Congress 
therefore undertook to consolidate the authorities for three programs, 
including the contract halfway-house care program for veterans 
suffering from alcohol and drug dependence, the community-based 
residential care program for homeless chronically mentally ill 
veterans, and a program providing transitional therapeutic housing, 
into one statute. Id. at 12. Congress plainly intended current section 
2031 to authorize psychiatric residential treatment to homeless 
veterans who are also mentally ill; all three authorities combined into 
current section 2031 dealt with treatment for veterans suffering from 
some kind of mental illness or otherwise requiring therapeutic 
residential treatment.
    Furthermore, the legislative history presented in support of the 
comment is not persuasive. The commenter argues that Congress intended 
to reach veterans who are homeless without regard to their having a 
serious mental illness based on an interpretation of a prior version of 
the statute using definitions from 24 CFR 91.5, which are regulations 
promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 
which is not charged with interpreting VA statutes. Thus, HUD's 
definitions are simply inapplicable.
    Additionally, the commenter's argument, even taken at face value, 
would at most affect the proper understanding of the term ``homeless'' 
and would not on its own dictate the proper interpretation of section 
2031. The commenter notes that former 38 U.S.C. 2001 indicates that 38 
U.S.C. chapter 20 used to address ``chronic homelessness,'' which 
required as a criterion serious mental illness or some other kind of 
disability. The commenter argues this has been replaced with the more 
general term, ``homeless.'' Even if true, this analysis would only 
affect the proper understanding of the term ``homeless,'' implying that 
term does not necessarily include serious mental illness. However, 
under our interpretation of section 2031, serious mental illness is a 
freestanding criterion. Since serious mental illness is a separate 
requirement in the statute, we do not believe the commenter's argument 
affects our construction of the proper scope of this program. Our 
interpretation is reasonable because Congress could not have intended 
that homelessness alone indicates a severe mental illness requiring the 
kind of care authorized by sections 2031 and 1710. As the commenter 
points out, up to 20 percent of homeless veterans are homeless for 
reasons other than mental illness. This fact is irreconcilable with the 
idea that ``homeless'' is a subset, or type of, serious mental illness, 
which is the construction urged by the commenter. As for the comment 
that our rule would make homelessness surplusage, we must, again 
disagree. Pursuant to Sec.  63.3(a)(1), eligibility is predicated on 
the veteran being homeless, and under Sec.  63.10(a), contracts are 
authorized only to non-VA community-based providers who provide 
temporary residential assistance for homeless persons.
    Finally, we note that the program as implemented by VA and 
described in this rule will reach most homeless veterans, up to 80 
percent. As stated in the proposed rule, chronic homelessness is 
generally caused by substance abuse or serious mental illness. Congress 
determined for purposes of this program that VA should allocate some of 
its mental health care resources to target homelessness caused by 
serious mental illness. As described above, we do not interpret current 
law as authorizing VA to focus mental health care resources on those 
who are not mentally ill. Additionally, Congress has determined that 
veterans who are homeless for other reasons will qualify for other VA 
programs and services. See, e.g., 38 U.S.C. 2021-23, 2041-44. This 
reinforces our view that section 2031 is intended to reach seriously 
mentally ill homeless veterans because this population is not 
specifically identified elsewhere in 38 U.S.C. chapter 20.
    The commenter also hypothesizes that the additional expenditure of 
resources that would be required by the commenter's interpretation of 
the law, expanding the program to cover homelessness regardless of 
mental illness, would be offset by savings in clinician time. The 
commenter argues that clinicians would not need to make any 
determination regarding mental

[[Page 52578]]

illness if the program covered every homeless veteran. As we explain 
above, we do not interpret section 2031 to authorize VA to allocate its 
limited mental health care resources to veterans who are not mentally 
ill. Therefore, the question of whether or not the reduction in 
``billable time'' realized by not determining whether a veteran is 
seriously mentally ill adds up to more or less than the cost of paying 
per diem on behalf of that veteran for up to 6 months is not relevant.
    The commenters also cited the numbers of homeless veterans who are 
not eligible for the HCHV program. We make no change based on the 
commenter's request that we amend the rules ``to include a specific 
reference to programs'' that address homeless veterans who are not 
seriously mentally ill. We have identified several such programs in 
this notice, but it would be unwise to include a definitive statement 
in the rule since VA's list of programs targeted at this difficult 
problem is constantly evolving, and it would be a needless waste of 
resources to have to amend and update 38 CFR part 63 every time VA 
altered or added an unrelated program. Further, the purpose of this 
rulemaking is to prescribe rules that govern a specific program. It is 
not intended as a general notice regarding the various benefits and 
services that may be available to homeless veterans. VA uses outreach 
and other methods to advise veterans regarding the benefits that may be 
available to them.
    Although we are not making any changes to the rule based on the 
comments, we do make one minor administrative change. We are inserting 
a comma after the word ``training'' in the first sentence of Sec.  
63.15(b)(1). This fixes a typographical error of omission in the 
proposed rule. We are not altering the substantive content of the 
paragraph by making this change.
    VA appreciates the comments submitted in response to the proposed 
rule. Based on the rationale stated in the proposed rule and in this 
document, the proposed rule is adopted with the technical change noted 
above.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule at Sec.  63.15(e)(3) contains a new collection of 
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3521) that requires approval by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). On December 20, 2010, in the proposed rule published in the 
Federal Register, we requested public comment on the new collection of 
information. We received no comments concerning the new collection of 
information. OMB has approved the information collection requirement 
for Sec.  63.15(e)(3) as a revision to OMB Control Number 2900-0091.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary hereby certifies that this final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-
612. The reason for this certification is that only a small portion of 
the business of health care providers, suppliers, or similar entities 
concerns VA beneficiaries. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this 
final rule is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility 
analysis requirements of sections 603 and 604.

Executive Order 12866

    Executive Order 12866 directs agencies to assess all costs and 
benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is 
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits 
(including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety, 
and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). The Executive 
Order classifies a ``significant regulatory action,'' requiring review 
by OMB unless OMB waives such a review, as any regulatory action that 
is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on 
the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely affect in a material 
way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, 
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or 
tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency 
or otherwise interfere with an action planned or taken by another 
agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, 
grants, user fees or loan programs or the rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising 
out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles 
set forth in the Executive Order.
    The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy 
implications of this regulatory action have been examined and it has 
been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 
1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and 
benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by 
State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any given year. This final rule would have no such effect 
on State, local, and Tribal governments, or on the private sector.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers and titles for 
the programs affected by this document are: 64.007, Blind 
Rehabilitation Centers; 64.009, Veterans Medical Care Benefits; 64.019, 
Veterans Rehabilitation Alcohol and Drug Dependence.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. John R. 
Gingrich, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this 
document on July 27, 2011, for publication.

List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 63

    Administrative practice and procedure, Day care, Disability 
benefits, Government contracts, Health care, Homeless, Housing, 
Individuals with disabilities, Low and moderate income housing, Public 
assistance programs, Public housing, Relocation assistance, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Veterans.

    Dated: August 17, 2011.
Robert C. McFetridge,
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, VA amends 38 CFR chapter I 
by adding part 63 to read as follows:

PART 63--HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS (HCHV) PROGRAM

Sec.
63.1 Purpose and scope.
63.2 Definitions.
63.3 Eligible veterans.
63.10 Selection of non-VA community-based providers.
63.15 Duties of, and standards applicable to, non-VA community-based 
providers.

    Authority:  38 U.S.C. 501, 2031, and as noted in specific 
sections.


Sec.  63.1  Purpose and scope.

    This part implements the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) 
program. This program provides per diem payments to non-VA community-
based facilities that provide housing, as well

[[Page 52579]]

as care, treatment and/or rehabilitative services, to homeless veterans 
who are seriously mentally ill or have a substance use disorder.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2031(a)(2))

Sec.  63.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of this part:
    Clinician means a physician, physician assistant, nurse 
practitioner, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other independent licensed 
practitioner.
    Homeless has the meaning given that term in section 103 of the 
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)).
    Non-VA community-based provider means a facility in a community 
that provides temporary, short-term housing (generally up to 6 months) 
for the homeless, as well as services such as rehabilitation services, 
community outreach, and basic mental-health services.
    Participant means an eligible veteran under Sec.  63.3 for whom VA 
is paying per diem to a non-VA community-based provider.
    Serious mental illness means diagnosed mental illness that actually 
or potentially contributes to a veteran's homelessness.
    Substance use disorder means alcoholism or addiction to a drug that 
actually or potentially contributes to a veteran's homelessness.

(Authority: 501, 2002, 2031)

Sec.  63.3  Eligible veterans.

    (a) Eligibility. In order to serve as the basis for a per diem 
payment through the HCHV program, a veteran served by the non-VA 
community-based provider must be:
    (1) Homeless;
    (2) Enrolled in the VA health care system, or eligible for VA 
health care under 38 CFR 17.36 or 17.37; and
    (3) Have a serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder,
    (i) That has been diagnosed by a VA clinician,
    (ii) Is ``clinically managed'' as determined by a VA clinician 
(clinical management of a condition may be achieved through non-medical 
intervention such as participation in a 12-step program), and
    (iii) Impacts the veteran's ability for self-care and/or management 
of financial affairs as determined by a VA caseworker (i.e., a 
clinician, social worker, or addiction specialist).
    (b) Priority veterans. In allocating HCHV program resources, VA 
will give priority to veterans, in the following order, who:
    (1) Are new to the VA health care system as a result of VA outreach 
efforts, and to those referred to VA by community agencies that 
primarily serve the homeless population, such as shelters, homeless day 
centers, and soup kitchens.
    (2) Have service-connected disabilities.
    (3) All other veterans.
    (c) VA will refer a veteran to a non-VA community-based provider 
after VA determines the veteran's eligibility and priority.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2031)

Sec.  63.10  Selection of non-VA community-based providers.

    (a) Who can apply. VA may award per diem contracts to non-VA 
community-based providers who provide temporary residential assistance 
for homeless persons with serious mental illness, and/or substance use 
disorders, and who can provide the specific services and meet the 
standards identified in Sec.  63.15 and elsewhere in this part.
    (b) Awarding contracts. Contracts for services authorized under 
this section will be awarded in accordance with applicable VA and 
Federal procurement procedures in 48 CFR chapters 1 and 8. Such 
contracts will be awarded only after the quality, effectiveness and 
safety of the applicant's program and facilities have been ascertained 
to VA's satisfaction, and then only to applicants determined by VA to 
meet the requirements of this part.
    (c) Per diem rates and duration of contract periods.
    (1) Per diem rates are to be negotiated as a contract term between 
VA and the non-VA community-based provider; however, the negotiated 
rate must be based on local community needs, standards, and practices.
    (2) Contracts with non-VA community-based providers will establish 
the length of time for which VA may pay per diem based on an individual 
veteran; however, VA will not authorize the payment of per diem for an 
individual veteran for a period of more than 6 months absent 
extraordinary circumstances.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2031)

Sec.  63.15  Duties of, and standards applicable to, non-VA community-
based providers.

    A non-VA community-based provider must meet all of the standards 
and provide the appropriate services identified in this section, as 
well as any additional requirements set forth in a specific contract.
    (a) Facility safety requirements. The facility must meet all 
applicable safety requirements set forth in 38 CFR 17.81(a).
    (b) Treatment plans and therapeutic/rehabilitative services. 
Individualized treatment plans are to be developed through a joint 
effort of the veteran, non-VA community-based provider staff and VA 
clinical staff. Therapeutic and rehabilitative services must be 
provided by the non-VA community-based provider as described in the 
treatment plan. In some cases, VA may complement the non-VA community-
based provider's program with added treatment services such as 
participation in VA outpatient programs. Services provided by the non-
VA community-based provider generally should include, as appropriate:
    (1) Structured group activities such as group therapy, social 
skills training, self-help group meetings or peer counseling.
    (2) Professional counseling, including counseling on self care 
skills, adaptive coping skills and, as appropriate, vocational 
rehabilitation counseling, in collaboration with VA programs and 
community resources.
    (c) Quality of life, room and board.
    (1) The non-VA community-based provider must provide residential 
room and board in an environment that promotes a lifestyle free of 
substance abuse.
    (2) The environment must be conducive to social interaction, 
supportive of recovery models and the fullest development of the 
resident's rehabilitative potential.
    (3) Residents must be assisted in maintaining an acceptable level 
of personal hygiene and grooming.
    (4) Residential programs must provide laundry facilities.
    (5) VA will give preference to facilities located close to public 
transportation and/or areas that provide employment.
    (6) The program must promote community interaction, as demonstrated 
by the nature of scheduled activities or by information about resident 
involvement with community activities, volunteers, and local consumer 
services.
    (7) Adequate meals must be provided in a setting that encourages 
social interaction; nutritious snacks between meals and before bedtime 
must be available.
    (d) Staffing. The non-VA community-based provider must employ 
sufficient professional staff and other personnel to carry out the 
policies and procedures of the program. There will be at a minimum, an 
employee on duty on the premises, or residing at the program and 
available for emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff 
interaction with residents should convey an attitude of genuine concern 
and caring.

[[Page 52580]]

    (e) Inspections. (1) VA must be permitted to conduct an initial 
inspection prior to the award of the contract and follow-up inspections 
of the non-VA community-based provider's facility and records. At 
inspections, the non-VA community-based provider must make available 
the documentation described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
    (2) If problems are identified as a result of an inspection, VA 
will establish a plan of correction and schedule a follow-up inspection 
to ensure that the problems are corrected. Contracts will not be 
awarded or renewed until noted deficiencies have been eliminated to the 
satisfaction of the inspector.
    (3) Non-VA community-based providers must keep sufficient 
documentation to support a finding that they comply with this section, 
including accurate records of participants' lengths of stay, and these 
records must be made available at all VA inspections.
    (4) Inspections under this section may be conducted without prior 
notice.
    (f) Rights of veteran participants. The non-VA community-based 
provider must comply with all applicable patients' rights provisions 
set forth in 38 CFR 17.33.
    (g) Services and supplies. VA per diem payments under this part 
will include the services specified in the contract and any other 
services or supplies normally provided without extra charge to other 
participants in the non-VA community-based provider's program.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2031)


(The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information 
collection requirement in this section under control number 2900-
0091.)

[FR Doc. 2011-21407 Filed 8-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P