LVMAC Tidbit — Emergency Mental Health Care Extended to Other-Than-Honorable Dischargees

On 27 June 2017,  the  VA released its final plans laying the framework for providing emergency mental health coverage to former service members with Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) administrative discharges.  For the older generations of veterans, the characterization of service was termed Undesirable.

Effective July 5, all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers are to offer emergency stabilization care for former service members who present at the facility with an emergent mental health need. Under this initiative, former service members with an OTH administrative discharge may receive care for their mental health emergency for an initial period of up to 90 days, which can include inpatient, residential or outpatient care. (more…)