H.R. 6940 — Hope Heals Act of 2026

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), not later than 180 days after enactment, to assess—(1) the feasibility of improving coordination among Executive departments (as defined in 5 U.S.C. §101, i.e., the 15 cabinet-level departments) to identify individuals experiencing a mental health crisis (defined as acute psychological distress risking self-harm, harm to others, or impaired daily functioning that requires intervention) or expressing related concerns; (2) opportunities for such departments to improve sharing of information, best practices, and suicide prevention referral mechanisms with individuals seeking services during a crisis; and (3) whether departments may distribute validated screening tools (e.g., Patient Health Questionnaire-3 (PHQ-3)) or symptom indicators to increase crisis awareness. HHS must coordinate with relevant department heads (e.g., Veterans Affairs, Defense, Education), consult experts (e.g., mental health professionals, academic institutions), and submit a report with results and recommendations, not later than 180 days after completing the assessment, to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and congressional committees with jurisdiction over coordinated departments. This section further requires each Executive department to implement the report's recommendations to the extent practicable.