SCHEDULES Act of 2026
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This bill would require the VA to set and publicly report on timing standards for the period between a medical referral and appointment.
What it does
This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a uniform standard for the amount of time allowed between a care referral and the actual appointment date, covering both VA facilities and community-based care. The VA would be required to publish this timing standard in the Federal Register and on its public website. Additionally, the agency would have to submit quarterly reports detailing the number and percentage of medical referrals that successfully meet these new timing requirements.
Who is affected
This bill primarily affects the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is required to establish and publish new timing standards for medical appointments. The legislation also impacts veterans seeking healthcare services, as it regulates the scheduling process for care provided at VA facilities and through community care providers. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to provide performance reports to federal legislators to evaluate the timeliness of these medical referrals.
Key provisions
- Establishment of appointment timing standards. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must create a standard for the maximum allowable time between a care referral entry and the actual appointment date. This standard applies to medical services provided at VA facilities as well as care delivered through community providers.
- Public disclosure of standards. The VA is required to publish these timing standards in the Federal Register. Additionally, the standards must be made available to the public on a VA website.
- Quarterly performance reporting. The VA must submit reports at least once per quarter detailing the number and percentage of referrals that successfully meet the established timing standards.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill establishes new administrative requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the management of existing healthcare referral systems and appointment scheduling for both internal VA facilities and the community care program.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to improve the oversight and transparency of veterans' healthcare by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish and publicly report on standardized wait times for medical appointments, covering both VA facilities and community-based care.