§ 26-1-142. Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program – Rules – Report – Definitions – Repeal

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   1. “Pilot program” means the veteran suicide prevention pilot program described in subsection (2) of this section.
   2. “Veteran” has the same meaning set forth in section 28-5-100.3.
2. 1. The state department shall establish a veteran suicide prevention pilot program to reduce the suicide rate and suicidal ideation among veterans by providing no-cost, stigma-free, confidential, and effective behavioral health treatment for veterans and their families.
   2. The state department shall establish the pilot program to provide services for seven hundred veterans in El Paso county. Subject to available appropriations, the state department may, at any time, expand the pilot program to serve more than seven hundred veterans or to other areas of the state.
3. 1. The pilot program must:
      1. Provide a single phone number or offer electronic means of contacting the pilot program, including e-mail or an electronic form on the pilot program’s website, that a veteran may use to contact the pilot program to make inquiries about available services and schedule consultations and treatment appointments;
      2. Provide treatment for conditions experienced by veterans that may contribute to suicidal ideation, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, military sexual trauma, substance use disorder, and symptoms of traumatic brain injury; and
      3. Develop an individualized treatment plan for each veteran who is receiving treatment.
   2. The pilot program may enter into agreements with treatment providers in the pilot program area to provide the services described in subsections (3)(a)(II) and (3)(a)(III) of this section.
4. The state department shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section.
5. The state department may enter into an agreement with a nonprofit or educational organization to administer the pilot program. The nonprofit or educational organization must have at least five years’ experience providing services described in this section to veterans and satisfy any additional qualifications established by the state department. The state department shall adopt rules to establish additional qualifications for a nonprofit or educational organization to ensure efficient and effective administration of the pilot program and a process for selecting a nonprofit or educational organization to administer the pilot program.
6. In its annual report to the committees of reference pursuant to section 2-7-203, the state department shall include information concerning the pilot program and whether any changes should be made to the pilot program that would increase its effectiveness. In its final report prior to the repeal of this section, the department shall include a recommendation of whether the pilot program should be continued.
7. This section is repealed, effective June 30, 2025.

Source: L. 2021: Entire section added, (SB 21-129), ch. 296, p. 1760, § 1, effective September 7.