Active-duty service
More than 24 months of active duty, with discharge other than dishonorable.
What emergent suicide care may include
Stabilization is the beginning of the pathway — not necessarily the end.
For eligible COMPACT episodes, VA describes coverage that can include emergency transportation, inpatient or crisis residential care related to the acute suicidal crisis, outpatient care, and related medications. Covered periods are generally up to 30 days for inpatient or crisis residential care and up to 90 days for outpatient care, with extensions possible when VA determines they are clinically necessary.
Emergency stabilizationImmediate treatment directed at safety and reduction of acute distress.
Inpatient careHospital-level care where clinically appropriate.
Crisis residential careResidential emergent suicide care in a non-hospital setting that meets VA’s requirements, including 24-hour medical supervision.
Outpatient follow-on careRelated medical and mental-health care after the acute episode where authorized.
Veteran emergent suicide care
COMPACT Act care for veterans in suicidal crisis.
In a suicidal crisis, get help now. The COMPACT Act provides eligible veterans and former service members with emergency suicide care at no cost—even without VA healthcare enrollment. Go to the nearest VA or community emergency department. Care can include emergency transport, up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential treatment, and up to 90 days of outpatient support. VA confirms eligibility and covered follow-on care.
After the emergency is identified
The next question is practical: how does the Veteran actually get to care — and safely back again?
Reporting the episode
The 72-hour notification matters.
VA asks to be notified within 72 hours of the start of emergency care at a non-VA facility. VA prefers that the community provider submit the report, but the Veteran or someone acting on the Veteran’s behalf may also notify VA.
Emergency Care Reporting
VA Emergency Care Reporting Portal
Open VA reporting portal →24/7 reporting hotline: 844-724-7842 (844-72HRVHA)
National review / CAEC
What happens after the report?
VA’s Emergency Care Reporting notification triggers national review of the episode. VA operational materials identify the Centralized Authorization of Emergency Care (CAEC) function as part of the ECR adjudication process for COMPACT episodes.
- Review the emergency-care notification and available clinical information.
- Determine whether the service and medical eligibility requirements are met.
- Establish the appropriate COMPACT payment authority when criteria are satisfied.
- Coordinate with the responsible VA medical center for continuing or follow-on care.
CCC uses “CAEC” here to describe the centralized VA authorization/review workflow associated with Emergency Care Reporting. VA processes and terminology may change, so current VA guidance controls.