Access Standards Veterans, medical groups respond to VA’s proposed access standards By Ashleigh Byrnes I n late February, the Department of Veterans Affairs the broadly understood goals and objectives of the unveiled long-awaited proposals to reform the VA MISSION Act,” said Washington Headquarters veterans health care system through the new Veterans Executive Director Randy Reese. Community Care Program (VCCP) network, under While DAV and more than 30 other veterans the VA MISSION Act. organizations supported The proposed rule, this legislation for its “Until the VA can certify that which would take effect potential to improve it can meet the proposed in June, would set wait the quality of health time requirements to care and expand access, lower wait time access 20 days for primary and that support was standards and has tested mental health care and based on assurances new drive-time standards, the 28 days for specialty from Congress and care, and drive time VA should continue to use the VA leadership that it requirements to 30 would be implemented existing access standards of minutes for primary or in full collaboration the Veterans Choice program.” mental health care and with stakeholders. 60 minutes for specialty “Unfortunately, since —Adrian Atizado Deputy National Legislative Director care. These access the passage of the bill, standards, however, would VA has primarily acted apply only to the VA, not to community providers. unilaterally rather than in collaboration with Congress Notably, the proposed standards also fail to include or veterans groups,” said Reese. quality standards to which non-VA care providers In public comments posted to the Federal Register, would be held. DAV and numerous other veterans and medical “As they are written, these proposals do not achieve organizations opposed the proposed rules as currently 26 DAV MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2019 DAV.ORG
Issue Articles
Access Standards
Ashleigh Byrnes
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