A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

Fact Sheet API

Bill Number

S 654

Introduced

Feb 20, 2025

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

Topics

Armed Forces and National Security Computers and information technology Congressional oversight Health care coverage and access Health programs administration and funding Public contracts and procurement Veterans' medical care

Full Text

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Votes

Summary

This bill establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a national External Provider Scheduling Program to assist the VA in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). The program must consist of technology that allows VA schedulers to view the schedules of health care providers participating in the VCCP in real time.

The VA must ensure the program reduces the time (1) from referral to the actual scheduling of appointments for care or services, and (2) for VA schedulers to schedule appointments for care or services.

The VA must also ensure the program is available to all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

Actions

Dec 2, 2025

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.
Dec 2, 2025

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jul 30, 2025

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Mar 11, 2025

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Feb 20, 2025

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Feb 20, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Amendments

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