Veterans Patient Advocacy Act

Veterans Patient Advocacy Act

This bill requires the Office of Patient Advocacy within the Veterans Health Administration to ensure (1) there is not fewer than one patient advocate for every 13,500 veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, and (2) highly rural veterans may access the services of patient advocates. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the implementation of such policies.

The Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, also known as Bill 118 s 449, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to improve the quality of care and support provided to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill focuses on establishing a patient advocacy program within the VA to ensure that veterans receive the best possible care and have their needs and concerns addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Under the provisions of the bill, the VA would be required to designate patient advocates at each VA medical facility to serve as a point of contact for veterans seeking assistance with their healthcare needs. These advocates would be responsible for helping veterans navigate the VA healthcare system, addressing any issues or complaints they may have, and advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive the appropriate care and services.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for training and education for VA staff on patient advocacy and communication skills, as well as requirements for the VA to establish a toll-free hotline for veterans to report concerns or complaints about their care. Overall, the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act aims to improve the overall experience and outcomes for veterans receiving care through the VA by providing them with dedicated advocates to support and advocate for their needs.