IN BRIEF
AB 1616 adds Section 709 to the Military and Veterans Code, authorizing the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), upon appropriation by the Legislature, to establish a study of non-narcotic treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting veterans. The bill would require CalVet to submit a report to the Legislature with its findings and recommendations by June 30, 2030, and would sunset on January 1, 2031.
THE ISSUE
PTSD remains a significant, ongoing challenge for many veterans. While a range of treatments exists, there is growing interest in non-narcotic treatment options that may complement or reduce reliance on medication-based approaches. However, the availability of California-specific data evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and outcomes of these non-narcotic PTSD treatments for veterans is limited.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD who received Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) showed significant improvements in PTSD symptom severity compared to the control group. The study also found improvements in depressive symptoms and brain structure and function measures for those treated with HBOT.
While the evidence from this study is preliminary and based on a small study group, it strongly suggests that alternative, non-narcotic therapies have the potential to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for veterans. These findings indicate that further research is warranted to better understand effectiveness, feasibility, and best practices.
The California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) estimates that 97,462 veterans in California have PTSD, and approximately 1,267,000 veterans nationally are affected.
CURRENT LAW
CalVet’s existing statutory role is to assist veterans and their families with services such as processing disability claims, housing support, and health-related information. Currently, CalVet does not have the authority to fund or conduct research into PTSD treatment methods. As a result, California lacks a state-level mechanism to evaluate emerging therapies for veterans with PTSD.
THE SOLUTION
AB 1616 authorizes CalVet, upon appropriation, to fund a study examining non-narcotic treatments, including but not limited to Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, for PTSD affecting veterans.