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Improving Veteran Access to Care: New Appointment Scheduling Systems.

This Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement a plan to significantly improve the process of scheduling healthcare appointments. For veterans, this means easier access to care, including the ability to self-schedule, cancel, and reschedule appointments online, as well as faster telephone contact with a scheduler. The goal is to reduce waiting times and enhance the overall quality of service for veterans using VA facilities.
Key points
Veterans will gain the ability to self-schedule appointments (including primary, mental health, and specialty care) using a new online platform.
The new system must allow patients to view available appointment slots online and easily cancel or reschedule appointments.
The VA must ensure veterans can speak telephonically with a scheduler who can assist in determining availability and fully booking appointments, providing a non-online alternative.
The plan must be fully implemented within two years of its submission to Congress, ensuring rapid improvement in access to healthcare services.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Passed Senate
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_607
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Process start date: 2025-02-18
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Improving Veteran Access to Care Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_607.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-02-18.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Veterans will gain the ability to self-schedule appointments (including primary, mental health, and specialty care) using a new online platform.
  • The new system must allow patients to view available appointment slots online and easily cancel or reschedule appointments.
  • The VA must ensure veterans can speak telephonically with a scheduler who can assist in determining availability and fully booking appointments, providing a non-online alternative.
  • The plan must be fully implemented within two years of its submission to Congress, ensuring rapid improvement in access to healthcare services.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Passed Senate.

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. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8898-8899; text: CR S8898-8899)

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits Informatization