S. 831: Representing VA with Accuracy Act

This bill, titled the Representing VA with Accuracy Act, primarily aims to improve telephone communications by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Standardized Caller Identification

The bill requires that, by January 1, 2026, any call made to veterans regarding services or benefits provided by the Department must:

• Be made from a single, well-known telephone number.
• Use caller identification branding that clearly indicates that the call is coming from or on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Establishment of Call Centers

Furthermore, the bill mandates that, by the same date of January 1, 2026, the Veterans Health Administration must have at least one call center in each U.S. time zone to assist veterans with questions about appointments and healthcare referrals. The specified time zones include:

• Eastern Time
• Central Time
• Mountain Time
• Pacific Time
• Alaska Time
• Hawaii Time

The bill clarifies that the VA does not need to establish a call center in any location within a time zone that does not observe daylight saving time.

3. Administrative Updates

Additionally, there are clerical amendments to the legal code to ensure that the changes made by this bill are properly integrated into existing law. This includes updating the table of sections to reflect the new requirements regarding telephone communication.

Objectives

The overall objective of the bill is to enhance the efficiency and reliability of communication between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veterans it serves. By implementing standardized phone practices and establishing dedicated call centers across multiple time zones, the bill aims to facilitate better access for veterans seeking information and support regarding their benefits and healthcare services.

Relevant Companies

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