Bill > S2422

This bill, titled the "Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014," aims to improve how veterans receive medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by implementing several key provisions. It mandates the upgrade and full implementation of a centralized electronic scheduling system for VA healthcare appointments by March 31, 2016, utilizing agile software development methods to ensure continuous improvement. This system will feature a user-friendly interface, policy enforcement capabilities, provider availability tracking, remote access for veterans, electronic timestamps for appointment activities, and seamless integration with the VA's electronic health record system. Additionally, the bill requires an independent assessment of the current VA appointment scheduling process to identify areas for improvement, including training, technology, and potential centralized call centers. To bolster the healthcare workforce, it modifies liability for primary care physicians in the Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program, establishes a new program at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for primary care specialization, and includes VA facilities in the National Health Service Corps Scholarship and loan repayment programs. The bill also addresses staffing shortages by requiring the VA to identify and publish the top five healthcare occupations with the largest shortages and allows for direct appointment of qualified providers to fill these roles. Furthermore, it enhances veteran access to care from non-VA providers by improving coordination and ensuring timely appointments, extends a joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) incentives program, and streamlines payment processes for non-VA care. The bill also promotes collaboration with Indian Health Service and Native Hawaiian health care systems, improves access to mobile vet centers, and establishes two commissions: one to examine long-term access to care and another to assess capital planning for VA medical facilities. Finally, it allows for the removal of Senior Executive Service employees for performance issues and authorizes specific major medical facility leases.