Congressman Charles B. Rangel today introduced H.R. 6107 – Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2012, a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing Veterans’ access to care.
The bipartisan legislation would allow Veterans Affairs (VA) health professionals, including contractors, to practice telemedicine across state borders if they are qualified and practice within the scope of their authorized federal duties, a big improvement on the status quo; currently, overly cumbersome location requirements can make it difficult for Veterans – especially those struggling with mental health issues – to get the help they need and deserve.
Rangel commented: “Veterans have made huge sacrifices for their country. Oftentimes, the price they pay for their courageous service is a serious health condition. They deserve and need the best quality, convenient care we can provide. That is why I am introducing this Act. It will cut the red tape and let veterans get the care they need. Both parties can and should support that.”
Under current law, the VA can only waive the state license requirement for treatment if both the physician and patient are located in a federally-owned facility. The Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2012 removes these barriers and allows the VA to provide treatment free of this restriction. Veterans will no longer be required to travel to a VA facility, but rather can receive telemedicine treatment anywhere, including their home or a community center.
“Nearly 18 Veterans commit suicide every day,” Rangel said. “Each one is a tragedy. By increasing the ease of access to mental health professionals, my hope is that this bill will help Veterans struggling with mental health conditions.”
The bipartisan Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2012 has been endorsed by: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Telemedicine Association and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
via Rangel Introduces Bipartisan Bill Designed To Increase Use Of Telemedicine By VA – Rep. Rangel.