Only contracted outside physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists and psychologists can perform veterans' disability exams regardless of which state licensed them.
This bill makes it easier for health care professionals to provide disability examinations for veterans, helping to improve access to necessary services. It also requires a report to ensure these changes are effective and beneficial.
The case for
The case against
No committee member filed a written objection. The committee approved it by voice vote.
Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025This bill extends and expands the pilot program under which certain non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals may be contracted to provide disability examinations to veterans, regardless of the jurisdiction of their licensure, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care. Specifically, the bill (1) expands the types of health care professionals who may provide such examinations, and (2) extends the authority for such professionals to be contracted for this purpose through January 5, 2031. Currently, such examinations may only be contracted to licensed non-VA physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, or psychologists. The bill expands the list to include qualified health care professionals who are eligible for appointment to specified positions in the Veterans Health Administration, including hospital or clinic directors, dentists, and pharmacists. The VA must report on its use of the expanded authority under this bill.
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