H.R.3482 - Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, aims to improve the scheduling process for veterans receiving healthcare through the Veterans Community Care Program. It mandates the creation of an online system for VA employees to schedule appointments with non-Department healthcare providers. This system will allow schedulers to view, search, and sort appointments, provide referral documents, and perform other necessary functions.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to streamline the scheduling of appointments for veterans, potentially reducing wait times and improving access to care. It also requires the VA to conduct outreach to encourage non-Department providers to participate in the program. The program is set to terminate seven years after enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to healthcare for veterans through streamlined scheduling.
- Reduced wait times for appointments with community care providers.
- Increased efficiency in the scheduling process for VA employees.
- Enhanced coordination between the VA and non-Department healthcare providers.
- Greater transparency and accountability in the scheduling of appointments.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential implementation challenges in developing and deploying the new online system.
- Possible resistance from some non-Department providers to participate in the program.
- Risk of technical glitches or system failures that could disrupt scheduling.
- Costs associated with developing, implementing, and maintaining the new system.
- The program's termination after seven years could create uncertainty and require future legislative action.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate for the benefit of veterans, as providing for veterans' healthcare falls under promoting the general welfare. The bill 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).