Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
Summary
The "Rural Veterans' Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025" aims to improve healthcare access for veterans, particularly those in rural areas, by amending the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bill focuses on streamlining temporary licensure requirements for contract healthcare professionals who conduct medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It also extends the sunset date for certain provisions related to these licensure requirements.
Expected Effects
This act will broaden the scope of healthcare professionals eligible for temporary licensure to perform disability examinations for the VA. By extending the sunset date, the act ensures continued access to healthcare professionals. The act also mandates a report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the use and effectiveness of the temporary licensure authority.
Potential Benefits
- Expands the pool of eligible healthcare professionals for VA disability examinations.
- Extends the availability of temporary licensure provisions, ensuring continuity of care.
- Requires a report to Congress on the use and effectiveness of the program, promoting accountability.
- Potentially reduces delays in disability examinations, improving access to benefits for veterans.
- May improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas by allowing more professionals to practice across state lines.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The report requirement adds an administrative burden to the VA.
- There could be potential oversight challenges in ensuring the quality of care provided by contract healthcare professionals with temporary licenses.
- The expansion of eligible professionals might dilute the expertise available for specialized examinations.
- The act does not directly address other barriers to healthcare access for rural veterans, such as transportation or technology access.
- The focus on contract professionals might shift resources away from hiring permanent VA staff.
Constitutional Alignment
The act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), as it aims to improve the well-being of veterans. Congress has the power to legislate for the armed forces under Article I, Section 8. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).