Bill > HR6595

This bill directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to develop and implement comprehensive action plans to improve healthcare access and resource sharing between their departments. The plans must address several key areas, including strengthening inter-departmental resource sharing, improving communication between military medical treatment facilities and VA leadership, increasing utilization of facilities with excess capacity, and expanding medical education opportunities. The action plans must include specific provisions such as cross-credentialing healthcare providers, expediting access to military installations for VA staff and veterans, designating facility coordinators, creating monitoring mechanisms, integrating information technology systems, and establishing oversight procedures for handling medical events and patient complaints. The bill requires these action plans to be approved by joint committee co-chairs, local installation commanders, and medical center directors, and mandates annual joint briefings to Congress detailing implementation progress, patient service numbers, provider credentialing, costs, and recommendations for improvement. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that veterans cannot be required to seek care at Department of Defense facilities and does not alter existing veterans' healthcare eligibility standards. The provisions will remain in effect until September 30, 2028, providing a structured approach to enhancing collaborative healthcare delivery for veterans.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6595/all-info