The proposed bill introduces a new section, 42.024, to chapter 42 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, titled the "Veterans Well-Being and Resource Outreach Act." This legislation mandates the Department of Mental Health to create and implement an initiative that encourages local veterans' organizations and support groups to establish wellness check programs for at-risk veterans. These programs are designed to identify veterans who may be experiencing isolation, homelessness, or mental health issues and to invite them to participate in wellness checks conducted twice a month. The wellness checks will be carried out by trained individuals, either veterans or those knowledgeable about the needs of veterans, and will involve real-time communication to assess and address the participants' medical, mental health, housing, and vocational needs. Additionally, the Department of Mental Health is tasked with promulgating rules to ensure the effective implementation of this section, with specific provisions regarding the rulemaking process and its compliance with existing legislative frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5739H.01): 42.024