Veterans: substance abuse programs.

Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is responsible for administering various programs and services for the benefit of veterans. Under existing law, the department is authorized to assist every veteran of the United States in establishing the veteran's right to any privilege, preference, care, or compensation provided for by the laws of the United States or of the state. This bill would, notwithstanding any other law, specifically authorize the department to refer a veteran to a drug and alcohol treatment program for veterans that is administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill would also authorize the department to, by regulation, create a form for the purpose of making these referrals. Existing law authorizes each county board of supervisors to appoint a county veterans service officer to perform specified veterans-related services. Under existing law, the county veterans service officer is required to assist every veteran of the United States in establishing the veteran's right to any privilege, preference, care, or compensation provided for by the laws of the United States or of the state. This bill would, notwithstanding any other law, specifically authorize a county veterans service officer to refer a veteran to a drug and alcohol treatment program for veterans that is administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill would authorize a county veterans service officer to use the form described above for the purpose of making these referrals.