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Increased patient advocates for veterans in VA medical facilities.

This Act increases the number of patient advocates available at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. The change ensures there is at least one patient advocate for every 13,500 enrolled veterans, making it easier for veterans to get assistance with healthcare issues. Furthermore, the Act emphasizes providing access to these services for highly rural veterans, including by assigning advocates to rural community-based outpatient clinics.
Key points
Improved access to support: Establishing a minimum requirement of one patient advocate for every 13,500 veterans enrolled in the VA system, increasing patient support.
Support for rural areas: Ensuring that veterans residing in highly rural areas can access patient advocate services, including by assigning advocates to rural outpatient clinics.
Oversight and evaluation: Within two years of enactment, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will report on how the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented these new staffing requirements.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_449
Sponsor: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Process start date: 2023-02-15
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Veterans Patient Advocacy Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_449.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-02-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Improved access to support: Establishing a minimum requirement of one patient advocate for every 13,500 veterans enrolled in the VA system, increasing patient support.
  • Support for rural areas: Ensuring that veterans residing in highly rural areas can access patient advocate services, including by assigning advocates to rural outpatient clinics.
  • Oversight and evaluation: Within two years of enactment, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will report on how the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented these new staffing requirements.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

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