In 2014, the DVA, partnered with the Department of Health Services to develop the initial veterans outreach and recovery program that covered 49 counties in Wisconsin using two one-time federal grants. The federal grants expired, resulting in the termination of the program at the end of 2017.
2017 Wisconsin Act 295, enacted on April 16, 2018, made an appropriation and created the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program as a pilot program, enabling the Department to expand the program to include all 72 counties, open up eligibility, and provided a more stable funding source. The program was coordinated by 2 supervisors and 11 regional veterans outreach and recovery coordinators. The pilot program sunset on July 1, 2019. 2019 Wisconsin Act 9, enacted on July 3, 2019, created s. 45.48, Stats., and provides a permanent appropriation for the program under s. 20.485 (2) (qs), requiring the Department to administer a program for the provision of outreach, mental health services, and support to Wisconsin veterans. Pursuant to ss. 45.03 (2m) and 227.14 (2) (a) 6m., Stats., administrative rules prepared by the Department of Veterans Affairs must be provided to the Board of Veterans Affairs. The Board may prepare a report containing written comments and its opinion regarding the proposed rules. Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis:
The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.
Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis:
The department posted the rule on the department’s website for 14 days to solicit economic impact comments. The Department received comments from one person, not directly related to the economic impact of the proposed rules.
Effect on small business:
The proposed rules do not affect small business.
Agency Contact:
Mindy Allen, Administrative Rules Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
2135 Rimrock Road, P.O. Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843
(608) 264-6085
Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:
Comments may be submitted to the contact information listed above no later than the date of the public hearing. The date, time, and place of the public hearing will be published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register.
TEXT OF RULE
SECTION 1: Chapter VA 11 is created to read: VETERANS OUTREACH AND RECOVERY PROGRAM
VA 11.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish rules for the implementation and administration of the veterans outreach and recovery program that provides case management, referrals for services, or assistance for all aspects of daily living to eligible veterans who may have a mental health or substance use disorder and reside in this state.
VA 11.02 Definitions. In this chapter, the following terms shall have the designated meanings:
(1) “Case management” means an organized process to ensure appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and support services are available to a program participant in a planned, coordinated, efficient, and effective manner to promote a high quality and cost-effective intervention and outcome.
(2) “Community provider” means a public or private agency that provides one or more services under s. VA 11.05. (3) “Enrolled” means a veteran who has entered into a written agreement to receive assistance in accordance with s. VA 11.05. (4) “Participant” means a veteran who is enrolled in the veterans outreach and recovery program and meets the eligibility requirements under s. VA 11.03. (5) “Veteran” means an individual who meets the requirements of s. 45.48 (1), Stats. (6) “Veterans outreach and recovery program" means the program authorized under s. 45.48, Stats. Note: The veterans outreach and recovery program is a comprehensive outreach program serving veterans who benefit from connection with community services and who may need support in navigating service systems with a focus on treatment and recovery support.
VA 11.03 Eligibility. (1) Veteran status and residency. To determine eligibility, the department shall verify a veteran’s residency and veteran status during the assessment conducted under s. VA 11.04. (2) Need for assistance. Assistance shall be provided to a participant enrolled in the veterans outreach and recovery program when the veteran’s need for assistance arises because of any of the following circumstances:
(a) Homelessness or conditions that indicate that the veteran is at risk of becoming homeless.
(b) Substance use issues.
(c) Unemployment or underemployment that significantly limits a veteran’s ability to be self-supporting.
(d) Affliction with acute or chronic physical or mental health problems that significantly limits a veteran’s ability to be self-supporting.
(e) Insufficient monthly income and resources, as determined by the department, to pay for emergency assistance such as any of the following:
1. Emergency housing.
2. Rental assistance.
3. Transportation.
4. Food.
5. Treatment.
6. Other assistance as approved by the department.
(3) Ineligibility. Veterans who are incarcerated in prison or whose needs exceed the capabilities of the veterans outreach and recovery program are not eligible for enrollment in the program.
(4) Provision of assistance. (a) Written agreement. A veteran who establishes a need for assistance under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the department identifying the assistance that the veteran shall receive and the veteran’s responsibilities under the veterans outreach and recovery program.
(b) Voluntary participation. Participation is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time without penalty. Refusal to participate will not result in loss of any benefit to which the veteran is otherwise entitled.
(c) Protection of personal information. All data and personal information collected will be secure and protected by state and federal confidentiality and privacy rules and regulations.
(d) Discharge from program. The department may discharge a participant and terminate assistance whenever any of the following occurs:
1. The participant fails to fulfill the required responsibilities as specified in the agreement between the department and the participant.
