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Bill > HR4561


US HR4561

US HR4561
Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2014


summary

Introduced
05/01/2014
In Committee
05/09/2014
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2015

Introduced Session

113th Congress

Bill Summary

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2014 - Sets forth requirements for the first update of the Strategic Plan Refresh for Fiscal Years 2012 through 2014 after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prepare the update in consultation with the Director of the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office, the Director of the Office of Quality and Performance, and the Director of the Office of Care Coordination Services of the Department. Requires the update to include: (1) goals and objectives for the provision of health care in rural areas, including for recruiting and retaining health care personnel, ensuring timeliness and improving quality in the delivery of health care services through contract and fee-basis providers, implementing and enhancing the use of telemedicine services, ensuring the full and effective use of mobile outpatient clinics, and coordinating and sharing of resources among federal agencies; (2) procedures for soliciting from each Veterans Health Administration facility that serves a rural area a statement of the facility's clinical capacity, the facility's procedures in the event of an emergency outside the scope of such capacity, and the facility's procedures and mechanisms for the provision and coordination of health care for women veterans; and (3) modification of funding allocation mechanisms to ensure that the Office of Rural Health distributes funds to VA components to best achieve goals and objectives in a timely manner.

AI Summary

This bill, the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2014, mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) update its strategic plan for rural veteran healthcare. The Director of the VA's Office of Rural Health, in consultation with other key VA directors, must develop this update. The plan will outline goals for improving rural healthcare, including recruiting and retaining medical staff, ensuring timely and quality care through contract and fee-basis providers, expanding telemedicine, effectively using mobile clinics, and coordinating resources with other federal agencies. It also requires VA facilities serving rural areas to report on their clinical capabilities, emergency procedures, and specific plans for women veterans' care. Finally, the bill calls for modifications to how funds are allocated to ensure the Office of Rural Health can best achieve its objectives in a timely manner.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (on 05/09/2014)

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