House Passes Legislation to Expedite VA Investigations

Statement

Today, Chairman Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with non-profits that accredit health care organizations to investigate VA medical centers:

"When the wellbeing and safety of veteran patients are endangered due to substandard care practices, VA must do everything in its power to guarantee investigations are conducted in an expedient and thorough way. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for passing this legislation that will authorize VA to contract with non-profit organizations to speed up investigations into VA medical centers, and I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law so we can further deliver on our promise to hold VA accountable and ensure veterans have timely access to the quality care they deserve."

S. 1266: The Enhancing Veteran Care Act

The Enhancing Veteran Care Act would authorize VA to contract with non-profits that accredit health care organizations to investigate VA medical centers. Under the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, VA can delegate this authority to the VISN or medical center director. Before entering into a contract with a non-profit for the purposes of investigating a facility, the VISN or medical director must notify VA, the IG and the GAO to ensure investigations are coordinated and transparent. Click here for more information. Read the bill here.

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