Improving Veteran Access to Care Act
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an integrated project team to improve the process for scheduling VA health care appointments. Among other objectives, the team must (1) develop or continue the development of a scheduling system and platform that enables personnel and patients of the VA to view available appointments for VA care, (2) create a process through which patients can telephonically speak with a scheduler who can assist in determining availability and scheduling, and (3) carry out other functions with respect to health care appointments furnished by the VA.
In carrying out its objectives, the team must consult and coordinate with the deployment schedule and capabilities of the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization Program.
If the VA determines a required objective or any feature or service in connection with an objective cannot be implemented or incorporated, the VA must report to Congress providing an explanation and setting forth a plan without that objective.
The VA must also report to Congress on the progress in fulfilling the team’s objectives under the bill.
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.