MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Military Affairs

By: Representative Holland

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 35-1-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS BOARD FROM DENYING A VETERAN ADMISSION INTO A STATE VETERANS' HOME SOLELY BECAUSE THE VETERAN HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS SYNDROME; TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS AFFAIRS BOARD TO DESIGNATE ONE OF ITS HOMES OR A PORTION THEREOF TO HOUSE VETERANS WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS SYNDROME; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 35-1-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

35-1-27. The Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board shall determine and set conditions and standards for admission and dismissal of all persons to and from the Mississippi State Veterans Home and any additional homes as may be constructed. In addition, the board shall promulgate such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the government of the Mississippi State Veterans Home and any additional homes as may be constructed. The rules and regulations shall include the establishment of rates for patient care within the patient's ability to pay. However, the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board shall not deny any veteran admission into any state veterans' home solely because the veteran has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome or suffers from symptoms associated with post traumatic stress syndrome, if the veteran is otherwise eligible. The Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board may designate one of its homes or a portion thereof to be used to provide domiciliary care and other related services to veterans who have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome or who suffer from symptoms associated with post traumatic stress syndrome.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.