Bill > S787

This bill establishes the Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC), a new independent body designed to review and provide recommendations about the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) operations. The commission will consist of 17 members appointed by the Comptroller General, with at least two being veterans, who possess expertise in large medical systems, healthcare management, and related fields. Members will serve five-year staggered terms and be required to represent diverse healthcare backgrounds, including nonprofit, public, and private health systems. The commission's primary responsibilities include conducting annual reviews of critical VHA areas such as information technology infrastructure, patient care access and wait times, workforce issues, healthcare quality, patient satisfaction, medical provider training, budgetary outlook, research programs, and hospital infrastructure. The commission must submit an annual report to Congress by March 15th, with recommendations approved by a simple majority vote. Members will receive compensation comparable to federal executive levels and will have the power to collect data, consult with congressional committees, conduct special studies, and coordinate with the VA Inspector General. The bill aims to provide continuous, independent oversight and improvement recommendations for veterans' healthcare services, ensuring comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the VHA's performance and operations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/787/all-info