Bill > S3703

This bill, titled the "Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2026," aims to improve the process for contract health care professionals to perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, it expands the definition of a "health care professional" eligible for temporary licensure to perform these examinations, ensuring they have a current and unrestricted license in their field, are not barred from practicing in any state, and are performing duties under a VA contract. The bill also delays the expiration of these temporary licensure provisions from five years after enactment to September 30, 2031, and updates conforming language to reflect the broader definition of health care professionals. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report to Congress detailing the use of this temporary authority, including the number of examinations conducted, their cost and timeliness, the types of professionals involved, and any errors in the process, along with a plan to correct them.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3703/all-info