H.R. 2068: Veterans Patient Advocacy Act

This bill, called the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, aims to improve the availability of patient advocates for veterans, especially those living in rural areas. Here are the main points of the legislation:

Key Provisions

• Redesignation of Sections: The bill proposes changes to existing provisions in Title 38 of the United States Code, reorganizing sections related to patient advocacy.
• Access to Patient Advocates: A new section is added that requires the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that rural veterans can access patient advocate services. This includes efforts to assign patient advocates to community-based outpatient clinics located in rural areas.
• Implementation Timeline: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must have the new access provision in effect within two years after the bill is enacted.
• Report Requirement: Within two years of the bill's enactment, the U.S. Comptroller General is required to submit a report to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. This report will assess how well the new access provisions have been implemented.

Impact on Rural Veterans

The primary focus of this legislation is to enhance support for rural veterans by making it easier for them to access patient advocates, who can assist them with navigating healthcare services within the VA system. This is particularly important as rural areas often face challenges in healthcare access. By ensuring that patient advocates are available, the legislation aims to improve the quality of care and support for veterans living outside urban areas.

Evaluation of Implementation

The mandate for a report from the Comptroller General is intended to evaluate the success of the implementation of the new provisions. This report will be essential in determining whether the legislation effectively increases access to patient advocates for rural veterans and identifies any areas needing improvement.

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