,,ii  #aag? ,,congress  #a/ ,session    
,s4 #ahfc  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,!      
,,unit$ ,,/ates  ,may #bf1 #bjba,mr4    
,moran 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,boozman1 ,mr4  
,cassidy1 ,mr4 ,tillis1 ,mr4 ,sullivan1 
,mrs4 ,blackburn1 ,mr4 ,cram]1 & ,mr4   
,tub]ville7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i*
 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee  
on ,vet]ans' ,affairs  ,a ,,bill  ,to   
am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to 
improve access to heal? c>e = vet]ans1 &
 = o!r purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title2 table
 ( cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act   
may be cit$ z ! ,gu>antee+ ,heal?c>e    
,access to ,p]sonnel ,:o ,s]v$ ,act4    
7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts 
= ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort 
title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title          
,i--,,mission ,act ,protection,subtitle 
,a--,access to community care,sec4 #aja4
 ,modifications to access /&>ds = c>e   
furni%$ ?r\gh ,community ,c>e ,program (
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4    
#ajb4 ,/rategic plan to ensure cont9uity
 ( c>e 9 ! case ( ! realignm5t ( a      

m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t4,subtitle 
,b--,community c>e self-s*$ul+ pilot    
program,sec4 #aaa4 ,def9itions4,sec4    
#aab4 ,pilot program e/abli%+ a         
community c>e self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t     
sy/em4,sec4 #aac4 ,capabilities (       
self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t sy/em4,sec4 #aad4 
,report4,subtitle ,c--,non-,dep>tm5t (  
,vet]ans ,affairs providers,sec4 #aba4  
,cr$5tial+ v]ification requirem5ts =    
provid]s ( non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs heal? c>e s]vices4,sec4 #abb4  
,inapplicability ( c]ta9 provid]s to    
provide non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs c>e4,,title ,,ii--,improvem5t (
 rural heal? & telehealth,sec4 #bja4    
,e/abli%m5t ( /rategic plan requirem5t =
 ,(fice ( ,connect$ ,c>e ( ,dep>tm5t (  
,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjb4           
,comptroll] ,g5]al report on            
transportation s]vices by ?ird p>ties = 
rural vet]ans4,sec4 #bjc4 ,comptroll]   
,g5]al report on teleheal? s]vices ( !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,,title   
,,iii--,=eign ,m$ical ,program,sec4     

#cja4 ,analysis ( feasibility &         
advisability ( exp&+ assi/ance & support
 to c>egiv]s to include c>egiv]s (      
vet]ans 9 ! ,republic ( !               
,philipp9es4,sec4 #cjb4 ,comptroll]     
,g5]al report on ,=eign ,m$ical ,program
 ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,,title
 ,,iv--,m5tal heal? care,sec4 #dja4     
,analysis ( feasibility & advisability (
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs provid+  
evid5ce-bas$ treatm5ts = ! diagnosis (  
treatm5t-resi/ant depression4,sec4 #djb4
 ,modification ( res\rce allocation     
sy/em to include pe] speciali/s4,sec4   
#djc4 ,gap analysis ( psy*o!rapeutic    
int]v5tions ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans    
,affairs4,,title ,v--,o!r matters,sec4  
#eja4 ,onl9e heal? c>e education        
portal4,sec4 #ejb4 ,exclusion (         
application ( ,pap]work ,r$uction ,act  
to rese>* activities ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?
 ,adm9i/ration4  ,i ,,mission ,act      
,protection  ,a ,access to community c>e
  #aja4 ,modifications to access /&>ds =
 c>e furni%$ ?r\gh ,community ,c>e      

,program ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs
  7a7 ,access /&>ds  7#a7 ,9 g5]al      
,section #agjc;,b ( title #ch1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+  
subsections 7a7 ?r\gh 7g7 & ins]t+ !    
foll[+3  7a7 ,?re%old eligibility /&>ds 
= access to community c>e  7#a7 ,a cov]$
 vet]an %all receive non-,dep>tm5t      
hospital c>e1 m$ical s]vices1 or ext5d$ 
c>e s]vices ?r\gh ! ,vet]ans ,community 
,c>e ,program "u section #agjc ( ?is    
title pursuant to subsection            
7d77#a77;,d7 ( su* section us+ ! foll[+ 
eligibility access /&>ds3 7,a7 ,)       
respect to prim>y c>e1 m5tal heal? c>e1 
or non-in/itutional ext5d$ c>e s]vices1 
if ! ,dep>tm5t _c s*$ule an appo9tm5t = 
! cov]$ vet]an ) a heal? c>e provid] ( !
 ,dep>tm5t-- 7i7 )9 #cj m9utes av]age   
driv+ "t f ! resid5ce ( ! vet]an2 &     
7ii7 )9 #bj days ( ! date ( reque/ = su*
 an appo9tm5t unless a lat] date has be5
 agre$ to by ! vet]an 9 consultation ) !
 heal? c>e provid]4  7,b7 ,) respect to 
specialty c>e or specialty s]vices1 if !

 ,dep>tm5t _c s*$ule an appo9tm5t = !   
cov]$ vet]an ) a heal? c>e provid] ( !  
,dep>tm5t-- 7i7 )9 #fj m9utes av]age    
driv+ "t f ! resid5ce ( ! vet]an2 &     
7ii7 )9 #bh days ( ! date ( reque/ = su*
 an appo9tm5t1 unless a lat] date has   
be5 agre$ to by ! vet]an 9 consultation 
) ! heal? c>e provid]4  7#b7 ,= !       
purposes ( det]m9+ ! eligibility ( a    
cov]$ vet]an = c>e or s]vices "u        
p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all n take  
into consid]ation ! availability (      
teleheal? appo9tm5ts f ! ,dep>tm5t :5   
det]m9+ :e!r ! ,dep>tm5t is able to     
furni% su* c>e or s]vices 9 a mann] t   
complies ) ! eligibility access /&>ds "u
 su* p>agraph4  7b7 ,access to c>e /&>ds
 = community c>e  7#a7 ,subject to      
subsection 7c71 ! ,secret>y %all meet ! 
foll[+ access to c>e /&>ds :5 furni%+   
non-,dep>tm5t hospital c>e1 m$ical      
s]vices1 or ext5d$ c>e s]vices to a     
cov]$ vet]an ?r\gh ! ,vet]ans ,community
 ,c>e ,program "u section #agjc ( ?is   
title3 7,a7 ,) respect to an appo9tm5t =

 prim>y c>e1 m5tal heal? c>e1 or        
non-in/itutional ext5d$ c>e s]vices--   
7i7 )9 #cj m9utes av]age driv+ "t f !   
resid5ce ( ! vet]an unless a long] driv+
 "t has be5 agre$ to by ! vet]an2 &     
7ii7 )9 #bj days ( ! date ( reque/ = su*
 an appo9tm5t unless a lat] date has be5
 agre$ to by ! vet]an4  7,b7 ,) respect 
to an appo9tm5t = specialty c>e or      
specialty s]vices-- 7i7 )9 #fj m9utes   
av]age driv+ "t f ! resid5ce ( ! vet]an 
unless a long] driv+ "t has be5 agre$ to
 by ! vet]an2 &  7ii7 )9 #bh days ( !   
date ( reque/ = su* an appo9tm5t unless 
a lat] date has be5 agre$ to by !       
vet]an4  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t
 heal? c>e provid]s specifi$ "u section 
#agjc7;c7 ( ?is title are able to comply
 ) ! applicable access to c>e /&>ds "u  
p>agraph 7#a7 = su* provid]s4  7c7      
,waiv]s to access to c>e /&>ds =        
community c>e provid]s  7#a7 ,a ,?ird   
,p>ty ,adm9i/rator may reque/ a waiv] to
 ! access to c>e /&>ds "u subsection 7b7
 if-- 7,a7 7i7 ! sc>city ( available    

provid]s or facilities 9 ! region       
precludes ! ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator f  
meet+ ^? access to c>e /&>ds2 or  7ii7 !
 l&scape ( provid]s or facilities has   
*ang$1 & c]ta9 provid]s or facilities   
are n available su* t ! ,?ird ,p>ty     
,adm9i/rator is n able to meet ^? access
 to c>e /&>ds2 &  7,b7 to address !     
sc>city ( available provid]s or ! *ange 
9 ! provid] or facility l&scape1 z !    
case may be1 ! ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator 
has contract$ ) o!r provid]s or         
facilities t may n meet ^? access to c>e
 /&>ds b are ! curr5tly available       
provid]s or facilities mo/ accessible to
 vet]ans )9 ! region ( responsibility ( 
! ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator4  7#b7 ,any  
waiv] reque/$ by a ,?ird ,p>ty          
,adm9i/rator "u p>agraph 7#a7 mu/ be    
reque/$ 9 writ+ & submitt$ to ! ,(fice (
 ,community ,c>e ( ! ,dep>tm5t =        
approval by t (fice4  7#c7 ,z "p ( any  
waiv] reque/ "u p>agraph 7#a71 a ,?ird  
,p>ty ,adm9i/rator mu/ include          
conclusive evid5ce & docum5tation t !   

access to c>e /&>ds "u subsection 7b7 _c
 be met because ( sc>city ( available   
provid]s or *anges to ! l&scape (       
provid]s or facilities4  7#d7 ,9        
evaluat+ a waiv] reque/ "u p>agraph     
7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all consid] ! foll[+3
 7,a7 ,! numb] & geographic di/ribution 
( eligible heal? c>e provid]s available 
)9 ! geographic area & specialty ref]5c$
 9 ! waiv] reque/4  7,b7 ,! prevail+    
m>ket conditions )9 ! geographic area & 
specialty ref]5c$ 9 ! waiv] reque/1 :i* 
%all include ! numb] & di/ribution (    
heal? c>e provid]s contract+ ) o!r heal?
 c>e plans 7includ+ comm]cial plans & ! 
,m$ic>e program "u title ,,xviii ( !    
,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4   
#acie et seq477 op]at+ 9 ! geographic   
area & specialty ref]5c$ 9 ! waiv]      
reque/4  7,c7 ,:e!r ! s]vice area is    
compris$ ( highly rural1 rural1 or urban
 areas or "s comb9ation ( su* areas4    
7,d7 ,h[ significantly ! waiv] reque/   
diff]s f ! relevant access to c>e /&>ds 
"u subsection 7b74  7#e7 ,! ,secret>y   

%all n consid] inability to contract z a
 valid sole rationale = grant+ a waiv]  
"u p>agraph 7#a74  7d7 ,calculation (   
driv+ "t ,= purposes ( calculat+ av]age 
driv+ "t f ! resid5ce ( ! vet]an "u     
subsections 7a7 & 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all 
use geographic in=mation sy/em s(tw>e4  
7e7 ,p]iodic review ( access /&>ds ,n   
lat] ?an ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ! ,gu>antee+ ,heal?c>e       
,access to ,p]sonnel ,:o ,s]v$ ,act1 & n
 less frequ5tly ?an once e ?ree ye>s    
!reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 conduct
 a review ( ! eligibility access /&>ds  
"u subsection 7a7 & ! access to c>e     
/&>ds "u subsection 7b71 9 consultation 
)-- 7,a7 su* ,f$]al entities z !        
,secret>y consid]s appropriate1 includ+ 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,heal? & ,human ,s]vices1 & ! ,c5t]s =  
,m$ic>e  ,m$icaid ,s]vices2  7,b7       
entities 9 ! private sector2 &  7,c7 o!r
 entities t are n "p ( ! ,f$]al         
,gov]nm5t2 &  7#b7 submit to !          
appropriate committees ( ,congress a    

report on-- 7,a7 ! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y )
 respect to ! review conduct$ "u        
p>agraph 7#a72 &  7,b7 su*              
recomm5dations z ! ,secret>y may h )    
respect to ! eligibility access /&>ds "u
 subsection 7a7 & ! access to c>e /&>ds 
"u subsection 7b74  7f7 ,publication (  
eligibility access /&>ds & wait times   
7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on a      
publicly available int]net website ( !  
,dep>tm5t ! eligibility access /&>ds "u 
subsection 7a74  7#b7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y 
%all publi% on a publicly available     
int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ! av]age  
wait "t = a vet]an to s*$ule an         
appo9tm5t at ea* m$ical c5t] ( !        
,dep>tm5t = ! receipt ( prim>y c>e &    
specialty c>e1 measur$ f ! date ( reque/
 = ! appo9tm5t to ! date on :i* ! c>e 0 
provid$4  7,b7 ,! ,secret>y %all update 
! wait times publi%$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7
 n less frequ5tly ?an mon?ly4  2  7,b7  
by r$esignat+ subsections 7h7 & 7i7 z   
subsections 7g7 & 7h71 respectively2    
7,c7 9 subsection 7g71 z r$esignat$ by  

subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 
by /rik+ designat$ access /&>ds e/abli%$
 "u ?is section & ins]t+ eligibility    
access /&>ds "u subsection 7a72 &  7ii7 
9 p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 by /rik+ designat$
 access /&>ds e/abli%$ "u ?is section & 
ins]t+ eligibility access /&>ds "u      
subsection 7a72 &  7,d7 9 subsection    
7h71 z s r$esignat$1 by add+ at ! end ! 
foll[+ new p>agraphs3  7#c7 ,! t]m      
inability to contract1 ) respect to a   
,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator1 means !       
inability ( ! ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator  
to successfully negotiate & e/abli% a   
community c>e network contract ) a      
provid] or facility4  7#d7 ,! t]m ,?ird 
,p>ty ,adm9i/rator means an entity t    
manages a provid] network & p]=ms       
adm9i/rative s]vices relat$ to su*      
network )9 ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e   
,program "u section #agjc ( ?is title4  
4  7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section       
#agjc7;d7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 
p>agraph 7#a77;,d71 by /rik+ designat$  
access /&>ds develop$ by ! ,secret>y "u 

section #agjc;,b ( ?is title & ins]t+   
eligibility access /&>ds "u section     
#agjc;,b7a7 ( ?is title2 &  7,b7 9      
p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ designat$ access
 /&>ds develop$ by ! ,secret>y "u       
section #agjc;,b ( ?is title & ins]t+   
eligibility access /&>ds "u section     
#agjc;,b7a7 ( ?is title4  7b7 ,prev5tion
 ( susp5sion ( ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e 
,program ,section #agjc7;a7 ( su* title 
is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new  
p>agraph3  7#d7 ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all
 be con/ru$ to au?orize ! ,secret>y to  
susp5d ! program e/abli%$ "u p>agraph   
7#a74  2 &  #ajb4 ,/rategic plan to     
ensure cont9uity ( c>e 9 ! case ( !     
realignm5t ( a m$ical facility ( !      
,dep>tm5t  7a7 ,s5se ( ,congress ,x is !
 s5se ( ,congress t ! ,vet]ans ,heal?   
,adm9i/ration %\ld "w closely ) ,?ird   
,p>ty ,adm9i/rators to ensure t vet]ans 
d n exp]i5ce a lapse ( c>e :5           
transition+ to receiv+ c>e or s]vices "u
 ! ,community ,c>e ,program due to !    
realignm5t ( a m$ical facility ( !      

,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4  7b7     
,developm5t ( /rategic plan  7#a7 ,9    
g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 
act+ ?r\gh ! ,(fice ( ,community ,c>e & 
! ,(fice ( ,vet]ans ,access to ,c>e ( ! 
,dep>tm5t1 %all develop & p]iodically   
update a /rategic plan to ensure        
cont9uity ( heal? c>e "u ! ,community   
,c>e ,program = vet]ans impact$ by !    
realignm5t ( a m$ical facility ( !      
,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! /rategic   
plan requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all      
include1 at a m9imum1 ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an
 assessm5t ( ! progress ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 
id5tify+ imp5d+ realignm5ts ( m$ical    
facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! impact (   
su* realignm5ts on ! network ( heal? c>e
 provid]s "u ! ,community ,c>e ,program 
)9 ! cat*m5t area ( su* facilities4     
7,b7 ,an outl9e ( collaborative actions 
& processes ! ,(fice ( ,community ,c>e &
 ! ,(fice ( ,vet]ans ,access to ,c>e ( !
 ,dep>tm5t c take to address pot5tial   
gaps 9 heal? c>e creat$ by ! realignm5t 
( a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7,c7

 ,a description ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t c      
id5tify to ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rators    
*anges 9 ! cat*m5t areas ( m$ical       
facilities to be realign$ & develop a   
process ) ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rators to  
/r5g!n provid] cov]age 9 advance ( su*  
realignm5ts4  7#c7 ,submittal to        
,congress ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] !  
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,"u     
,secret>y = ,heal? ( ! ,dep>tm5t %all   
submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives ! plan develop$ "u      
p>agraph 7#a74  7c7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is  
section3 7#a7 ,community ,c>e ,program  
,! t]m ,community ,c>e ,program means ! 
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program "u    
section #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code4  7#b7 ,realignm5t ,! t]m        
realignm5t1 ) respect to a facility ( ! 
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1          
includes-- 7,a7 any action t *anges !   
numb] ( facilities or relocates s]vices1
 functions1 or p]sonnel positions2 &    

7,b7 /rategic collaborations betwe5 !   
,dep>tm5t & non-,f$]al ,gov]nm5t        
entities1 includ+ tribal organizations4 
7#c7 ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator ,! t]m    
,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator means an entity
 t manages a provid] network & p]=ms    
adm9i/rative s]vices relat$ to su*      
network )9 ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e   
,program "u section #agjc ( title #ch1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#d7 ,tribal      
organization ,! t]m tribal organization 
has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #d ( ! 
,indian ,self-,det]m9ation & ,education 
,assi/ance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74  
,b ,community c>e self-s*$ul+ pilot     
program  #aaa4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is       
subtitle3 7#a7 ,appropriate             
congressional committees ,! t]m         
appropriate congressional committees    
means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'  
,affairs & ! ,committee on              
,appropriations ( ! ,s5ate2 &  7,b7 !   
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & !    
,committee on ,appropriations ( ! ,h\se 
( ,repres5tatives4  7#b7 ,cov]$ vet]an  

,! t]m cov]$ vet]an means a cov]$ vet]an
 "u section #agjc7;b7 ( title #ch1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#c7 ,pilot       
program ,! t]m pilot program means !    
pilot program requir$ "u section        
#aab7;a74  7#d7 ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e
 ,program ,! t]m ,vet]ans ,community    
,c>e ,program means ! program to furni% 
hospital c>e1 m$ical s]vices1 & ext5d$  
c>e s]vices to cov]$ vet]ans "u section 
#agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 
#aab4 ,pilot program e/abli%+ a         
community c>e self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t     
sy/em  7a7 ,pilot program ,n lat] ?an   
#abj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  
%all comm5ce a pilot program "u :i*     
cov]$ vet]ans eligible = hospital c>e1  
m$ical s]vices1 or ext5d$ c>e s]vices "u
 subsection 7d77#a7 ( section #agjc (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 may use 
an int]net website or mobile application
 t has ! capabilities specifi$ 9 section
 #aac7;a7 to reque/1 s*$ule1 & confirm  
m$ical appo9tm5ts ) heal? c>e provid]s  

p>ticipat+ 9 ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e 
,program4  7b7 ,sy/em expansion or      
developm5t ( new sy/em ,9 c>ry+ out !   
pilot program1 ! ,secret>y may exp&     
capabilities ( an exi/+ self-s*$ul+     
appo9tm5t sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans
 ,affairs or develop a new self-s*$ul+  
sy/em mobile application or int]net     
website4  7c7 ,contract au?ority =      
develop+ a new sy/em  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,if 
! ,secret>y elects to develop a new     
self-s*$ul+ sy/em "u subsection 7b71 !  
,secret>y %all seek to ent] into a      
contract us+ competitive proc$ures ) "o 
or m contractors to provide !           
capabilities specifi$ 9 section         
#aac7;a74  7#b7 ,notice ( competition   
7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,if ! ,secret>y elects to 
develop a new sy/em "u subsection 7b71 n
 lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all   
issue a reque/ = proposals to provide ! 
capabilities specifi$ 9 section         
#aac7;a74  7,b7 ,op5 to any contractor  
,a reque/ = proposals "u subp>agraph    

7,a7 %all be full & op5 to any          
contractor t has an exi/+ comm]cially   
available1 (f-!-%elf1 onl9e pati5t      
self-s*$ul+ sy/em t includes !          
capabilities specifi$ 9 section         
#aac7;a74  7#c7 ,selection ,if !        
,secret>y elects to develop a new       
self-s*$ul+ sy/em "u subsection 7b71 n  
lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all   
aw>d a contract to "o or m contractors  
pursuant to ! reque/ = proposals "u     
p>agraph 7#b77;,a74  7d7 ,selection (   
locations ,! ,secret>y %all select n    
few] ?an five ,vet]ans ,integrat$       
,s]vices ,networks ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 :i*  
to c>ry out ! pilot program4  7e7       
,duration ( pilot program  7#a7 ,9 g5]al
 ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 !   
,secret>y %all c>ry out ! pilot program 
= an #ah-mon? p]iod4  7#b7 ,ext5sion ,! 
,secret>y may ext5d ! duration ( ! pilot
 program & may exp& ! selection (       
,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vices ,networks  
"u subsection 7d7 if ! ,secret>y        

det]m9es t ! pilot program is r$uc+ !   
wait times ( vet]ans seek+ hospital c>e1
 m$ical s]vices1 or ext5d$ c>e s]vices  
"u ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program4 
7f7 ,outrea* ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t 
vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 ! ,vet]ans         
,community ,c>e ,program 9 ,vet]ans     
,integrat$ ,s]vices ,networks 9 :i* !   
pilot program is be+ c>ri$ out are in=m$
 ab\t ! pilot program4  7g7 ,mobile     
application def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m 
mobile application means a s(tw>e       
program t runs on ! op]at+ sy/em ( a    
cellul> telephone1 tablet comput]1 or   
simil> portable comput+ device t        
transmits data ov] a wireless           
connection4  #aac4 ,capabilities (      
self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t sy/em  7a7 ,m9imum
 capabilities ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs %all ensure t ! self-s*$ul+    
appo9tm5t sy/em us$ 9 ! pilot program   
includes1 at a m9imum1 ! foll[+         
capabilities3 7#a7 ,capability to       
reque/1 s*$ule1 modify1 & cancel        
appo9tm5ts = prim>y c>e1 specialty c>e1 

& m5tal heal? c>e "u ! ,vet]ans         
,community ,c>e ,program ) reg>d to ea* 
category ( eligibility "u section       
#agjc7;d77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code4  7#b7 ,capability to support    
appo9tm5ts = ! provision ( heal? c>e "u 
! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program     
reg>dless ( :e!r su* c>e is provid$ 9   
p]son or ?r\gh teleheal? s]vices4  7#c7 
,capability to view appo9tm5t           
availability 9 real "t to ! ext5t       
practicable4  7#d7 ,capability to load  
relevant pati5t in=mation f ! ,decision 
,support ,tool ( ! ,dep>tm5t or any o!r 
in=mation te*nology sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
us$ to det]m9e ! eligibility ( vet]ans =
 heal? c>e "u section #agjc7;d77#a7 (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#e7   
,capability to se>* = provid]s &        
facilities p>ticipat+ 9 ! ,vet]ans      
,community ,c>e ,program bas$ on di/ance
 f ! resid5tial address ( a vet]an4     
7#f7 ,capability to provide telephonic &
 electronic contact in=mation = all su* 
provid]s t d n (f] onl9e s*$ul+ at ! "t4

  7#g7 ,capability to /ore & pr9t       
au?orization lett]s = vet]ans = heal?   
c>e "u ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e       
,program4  7#h7 ,capability to provide  
prompts or rem9d]s to vet]ans to s*$ule 
initial appo9tm5ts or foll[-up          
appo9tm5ts4  7#i7 ,capability to be us$ 
#bd h\rs p] day1 sev5 days p] week4     
7#aj7 ,capability to integrate ) !      
,vet]ans ,heal? ,in=mation ,sy/ems &    
,te*nology ,ar*itecture ( ! ,dep>tm5t1  
or any successor in=mation te*nology    
sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#aa7 ,capability 
to integrate ) in=mation te*nology      
sy/ems ( ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rators4  7b7
 ,indep5d5t validation & v]ification    
7#a7 ,indep5d5t entity  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!
 ,secret>y %all seek to ent] into an    
agreem5t ) an appropriate nongov]nm5tal1
 n-=-pr(it entity ) exp]tise 9 heal?    
in=mation te*nology to indep5d5tly      
validate & v]ify t ! self-s*$ul+        
appo9tm5t sy/em us$ 9 ! pilot program   
includes ! capabilities specifi$ 9      
subsection 7a74  7,b7 ,tim+ ,! indep5d5t

 validation & v]ification conduct$ "u   
subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be complet$ be=e !
 field+ ( ! self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t sy/em 
us$ 9 ! pilot program to ! fir/ ,vet]ans
 ,integrat$ ,s]vices ,network ( !       
,dep>tm5t 9 :i* ! pilot program is to be
 c>ri$ out4  7#b7 ,,gao evaluation  7,a7
 ,9 g5]al ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates %all evaluate ! validation
 & v]ification conduct$ "u p>agraph     
7#a74  7,b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #cj days
 aft] ! date on :i* ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al
 completes ! evaluation "u p>agraph     
7#a71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit  
to ! appropriate congressional          
committees a report on su* evaluation4  
7c7 ,c]tification  7#a7 ,capabilities   
includ$ ,n lat] ?an ,may #ca1 #bjbb1 !  
,secret>y %all c]tify to ! ,committee on
 ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives t ! self-s*$ul+ 
appo9tm5t sy/em us$ 9 ! pilot program & 
any o!r pati5t self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t    
sy/em develop$ or us$ by ! ,dep>tm5t (  

,vet]ans ,affairs z ( ! date ( !        
c]tification to s*$ule appo9tm5ts "u !  
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program       
includes ! capabilities specifi$ 9      
subsection 7a74  7#b7 ,new sy/ems ,if ! 
,secret>y develops a new self-s*$ul+    
appo9tm5t sy/em to s*$ule appo9tm5ts "u 
! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program t is
 n cov]$ by a c]tification made "u      
p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all c]tify  
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( 
! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives t  
su* new sy/em includes ! capabilities   
specifi$ 9 subsection 7a7 by n lat] ?an 
! date t is #cj days aft] ! date on :i* 
! ,secret>y det]m9es to replace !       
previ\s self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t sy/em4    
7#c7 ,replacem5t ( sy/ems n c]tifi$ ,if 
! ,secret>y does n make a timely        
c]tification "u p>agraph 7#a7 or        
p>agraph 7#b71 z ! case may be1 !       
,secret>y %all replace any self-s*$ul+  
appo9tm5t sy/em us$ by ! ,secret>y to   
s*$ule appo9tm5ts "u ! ,vet]ans         

,community ,c>e ,program t is 9 use ) a 
comm]cially available1 (f-!-%elf1 onl9e 
self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t sy/em t includes !
 capabilities specifi$ 9 subsection 7a74
  7d7 ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator def9$ ,9 
?is section1 ! t]m ,?ird ,p>ty          
,adm9i/rator means an entity t manages a
 provid] network & p]=ms adm9i/rative   
s]vices relat$ to su* network )9 !      
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program "u    
section #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code4  #aad4 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ahj 
days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act1 & e #ahj days !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y
 ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to !   
appropriate congressional committees a  
report t includes-- 7#a7 an assessm5t by
 ! ,secret>y ( ! pilot program dur+ !   
#ahj-;day p]iod prec$+ ! date ( !       
report1 includ+-- 7,a7 ! co/ ( ! pilot  
program2  7,b7 ! volume ( usage ( !     
self-s*$ul+ appo9tm5t sy/em "u ! pilot  
program2  7,c7 ! quality ( ! pilot      
program2  7,d7 pati5t satisfaction ) !  
pilot program2  7,e7 b5efits to vet]ans 

( us+ ! pilot program2  7,f7 !          
feasibility ( all[+ self-s*$ul+ =       
diff]5t specialties "u ! pilot program2 
7,g7 p>ticipat+ 9 ! pilot program by    
heal? c>e provid]s "u ! ,vet]ans        
,community ,c>e ,program2 &  7,h7 su*   
o!r f9d+s & conclusions ) respect to !  
pilot program z ! ,secret>y consid]s    
appropriate2 &  7#b7 su* recomm5dations 
z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate      
reg>d+-- 7,a7 ext5sion ( ! pilot program
 to o!r or all ,vet]ans ,integrat$      
,s]vice ,networks ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,vet]ans ,affairs2 &  7,b7 mak+ ! pilot 
program p]man5t4  ,c ,non-,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs provid]s  #aba4       
,cr$5tial+ v]ification requirem5ts =    
provid]s ( non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs heal? c>e s]vices  7a7         
,cr$5tial+ v]ification requirem5ts  7#a7
 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #ag (    
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by ins]t+ aft] section #agjc;,e !      
foll[+ new section3  #agjc;,f4          
,cr$5tial+ v]ification requirem5ts =    

provid]s ( non-,dep>tm5t heal? c>e      
s]vices  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all 
ensure t ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rators &    
cr$5tials v]ification organizations     
comply ) ! requirem5ts specifi$ 9       
subsection 7b7 to help ensure c]ta9     
heal? c>e provid]s are exclud$ f provid+
 non-,dep>tm5t heal? c>e s]vices4  7b7  
,requirem5ts specifi$ ,! ,secret>y %all 
require ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rators &     
cr$5tials v]ification organizations to  
c>ry out ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,hold & ma9ta9  
an active cr$5tial v]ification          
accr$itation f a national heal? c>e     
accr$itation body4  7#b7 ,conduct       
initial v]ification ( provid] hi/ory &  
lic5se sanctions = all ,/ates & ,unit$  
,/ates t]ritories = a p]iod ( "t-- 7,a7 
t includes ! p]iod be=e ! provid] began 
provid+ non-,dep>tm5t heal? c>e s]vices2
 &  7,b7 dat+ back n less ?an #aj ye>s4 
7#c7 ,n less frequ5tly ?an e ?ree ye>s1 
p]=m recr$5tial+1 includ+ v]ify+ provid]
 hi/ory & lic5se sanctions = all ,/ates 
& ,unit$ ,/ates t]ritories4  7#d7       

,implem5t cont9u\s monitor+ ( ea*       
provid] ?r\gh ! ,national ,practition]  
,data ,bank e/abli%$ pursuant to !      
,heal? ,c>e ,quality ,improvem5t ,act ( 
#aihf 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aaaja et seq474   
7c7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! 
t]m cr$5tials v]ification organization  
means an entity t manages ! provid]     
cr$5tial+ process & p]=ms cr$5tial+     
v]ification = non-,dep>tm5t provid]s t  
p>ticipate 9 ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e 
,program "u section #agjc ( ?is title   
?r\gh a ,vet]ans ,c>e ,agreem5t4  7#b7  
,! t]m ,?ird ,p>ty ,adm9i/rator means an
 entity t manages a provid] network &   
p]=ms adm9i/rative s]vices relat$ to su*
 network )9 ! ,vet]ans ,community ,c>e  
,program "u section #agjc ( ?is title4  
7#c7 ,! t]m ,vet]ans ,c>e ,agreem5t     
means an agreem5t = non-,dep>tm5t heal? 
c>e s]vices ent]$ into "u section       
#agjc;,a ( ?is title4  7#d7 ,! t]m      
non-,dep>tm5t heal? c>e s]vices means   
s]vices-- 7,a7 provid$ "u ?is sub*apt]  
at non-,dep>tm5t facilities 7z def9$ 9  

section #agja ( ?is title72  7,b7       
provid$ "u section #aja ( ! ,vet]ans    
,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act (
 #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch      
,u4,s4,c4 #agja note72  7,c7 pur*as$    
?r\gh ! ,m$ical ,community ,c>e acc\nt (
 ! ,dep>tm5t2 or  7,d7 pur*as$ ) am\nts 
deposit$ 9 ! ,vet]ans ,*oice ,fund "u   
section #hjb ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1      
,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad   
7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4   
#agja note74  4  7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t  
,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su*   
sub*apt] is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item 
relat+ to section #agjc;,e ! foll[+ new 
item3  #agjc;,f4 ,cr$5tial+ v]ification 
requirem5ts = provid]s ( non-,dep>tm5t  
heal? c>e s]vices4  4  7b7 ,deadl9e =   
implem5tation ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft]
 ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !      
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
comm5ce ! implem5tation ( section       
#agjc;,f ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a74    
#abb4 ,inapplicability ( c]ta9 provid]s 

to provide non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs c>e ,section #ajh ( ! ,,va     
,,mission ,act ( #bjah 7,public ,law    
#aae-ahb2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 is  
am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+ subsections  
7d7 & 7e7 z subsections 7e7 & 7f71      
respectively2 &  7#b7 by ins]t+ aft]    
subsection 7c7 ! foll[+ new subsection  
7d73  7d7 ,application ,! requirem5t to 
d5y or revoke ! eligibility ( a heal?   
c>e provid] to provide non-,dep>tm5t    
heal? c>e s]vices to vet]ans "u         
subsection 7a7 %all apply to any removal
 "u p>agraph 7#a7 ( su* subsection or   
violation "u p>agraph 7#b7 ( su*        
subsection t occurr$ on or aft] ! date t
 is five ye>s be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act4  4  ,,ii ,improvem5t ( rural 
heal? & teleheal?  #bja4 ,e/abli%m5t (  
/rategic plan requirem5t = ,(fice (     
,connect$ ,c>e ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs  7a7 ,f9d+s ,congress makes !  
foll[+ f9d+s3 7#a7 ,! ,,covid-#ai p&emic
 caus$ ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  
to expon5tially increase teleheal? &    

virtual c>e modalities1 includ+ ,,va    
,video ,connect1 to deliv] heal? c>e    
s]vices to vet]an pati5ts4  7#b7 ,betwe5
 ,janu>y #bjbj & ,janu>y #bjba1 ! numb] 
( teleheal? appo9tm5ts (f]$ by !        
,dep>tm5t increas$ by #a1hca p]c5t4     
7#c7 ,! ,dep>tm5t ma9ta9s /rategic      
p>tn]%ips1 su* z ! ,digital ,divide     
,consult1 ) a goal ( ensur+ vet]ans :o  
reside 9 rural1 highly rural1 or        
m$ically und]s]v$ areas h access to     
high-quality teleheal? s]vices (f]$ by !
 ,dep>tm5t4  7#d7 ,z ( #bjai1 vet]ans :o
 reside 9 rural & highly rural areas    
make up approximately #a_/c( vet]an     
enrollees 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em1 & 
are on av]age1 old] ?an _! vet]an pe]s 9
 ubran areas1 exp]i5ce high] degrees (  
f9ancial in/ability1 & live ) a great]  
numb] ( complex heal? ne$s &            
comorbidities4  7#e7 ,! ,f$]al          
,communications ,commission e/imat$ 9   
#bjbj t #ae p]c5t ( vet]an h\seholds d n
 h an int]net connection4  7#f7 ,"u !   
,coronavirus ,aid1 ,relief1 & ,economic 

,security ,act 7,public ,law #aaf-acf71 
,congress grant$ ! ,dep>tm5t additional 
au?ority to ent] into %ort-t]m agreem5ts
 or contracts ) private sector          
telecommunications companies to provide 
c]ta9 broadb& s]vices = ! purposes (    
provid+ exp&$ m5tal heal? s]vices to    
isolat$ vet]ans ?r\gh teleheal? or ,,va 
,video ,connect dur+ a public heal?     
em]g5cy4  7#g7 ,! au?ority describ$ 9   
p>agraph 7#f7 0 n utiliz$ to ! fulle/   
ext5t by ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#h7 ,?\gh !     
,dep>tm5t has made significant progress 
9 exp&+ teleheal? s]vices (f]$ to       
vet]ans :o are enroll$ 9 ! pati5t       
enrollm5t sy/em1 significant gaps /ill  
exi/ to ensure all vet]ans receive equal
 & high-quality access to virtual c>e4  
7#i7 ,que/ions reg>d+ ! efficacy ( us+  
teleheal? = c]ta9 heal? c>e s]vices &   
specialities rema91 & %\ld be fur!r     
/udi$4  7#aj7 ,! ,dep>tm5t cont9ues to  
exp& teleheal? & virtual c>e (f]+s =    
prim>y c>e1 m5tal heal? c>e1 specialty  
c>e1 urg5t c>e1 & ev5 remote int5sive   

c>e units4  7b7 ,s5se ( ,congress ,x is 
! s5se ( ,congress t ! teleheal? s]vices
 (f]$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs
 %\ld be r\t9ely measur$ & evaluat$ to  
ensure ! teleheal? te*nologies &        
modalities deliv]$ to vet]an pati5ts to 
treat a wide v>iety ( heal? conditions  
are z effective z 9-p]son treatm5t =    
prim>y c>e1 m5tal heal? c>e1 & o!r =ms (
 specialty c>e4  7c7 ,developm5t (      
/rategic plan  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an
 "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1  
act+ ?r\gh ! ,(fice ( ,connect$ ,c>e ( !
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all    
develop a /rategic plan to ensure !     
effectiv5ess ( ! teleheal? te*nologies &
 modalities deliv]$ by ! ,dep>tm5t to   
vet]ans :o are enroll$ 9 ! pati5t       
enrollm5t sy/em4  7#b7 ,update  7,a7 ,9 
g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all update !        
/rategic plan requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 n
 less frequ5tly ?an once e ?ree ye>s    
foll[+ developm5t ( ! plan4  7,b7       
,consultation ,! ,secret>y %all prep>e  

any update requir$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 9
 consultation ) ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! ,*ief  
,(fic] ( ! ,(fice ( ,connect$ ,c>e ( !  
,dep>tm5t4  7ii7 ,! ,executive ,director
 ( ,teleheal? ,s]vices ( ! ,(fice (     
,connect$ ,c>e4  7iii7 ,! ,executive    
,director ( ,connect$ ,heal? ( ! ,(fice 
( ,connect$ ,c>e4  7iv7 ,! ,executive   
,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,rural ,heal? ( !
 ,dep>tm5t4  7v7 ,! ,executive ,director
 ( ,solution ,deliv]y1 ,,x ,op]ations & 
,s]vices ( ! ,(fice ( ,in=mation &      
,te*nology ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#c7 ,elem5ts
 ,! /rategic plan requir$ "u p>agraph   
7#a71 & any update to t plan "u p>agraph
 7#b71 %all include1 at a m9imum1 !     
foll[+3 7,a7 ,a compreh5sive li/ ( all  
heal? c>e specialities ! ,dep>tm5t is   
curr5tly deliv]+ by teleheal? or virtual
 c>e4  7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( !           
effectiv5ess & pati5t outcomes = ea*    
type ( heal? c>e speciality deliv]$ by  
teleheal? or virtual c>e by ! ,dep>tm5t4
  7,c7 ,an assessm5t ( satisfaction (   
vet]ans 9 receiv+ c>e ?r\gh teleheal? or

 virtual c>e disaggregat$ by age gr\p & 
by ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4
  7,d7 ,an assessm5t ( ! p]c5tage (     
virtual visits deliv]$ by ! ,dep>tm5t   
?r\gh ea* modality includ+ /&>d         
telephone teleheal?1 ,,va ,video        
,connect1 & ! ,access+ ,teleheal? ?r\gh 
,local ,area ,/ations program ( !       
,dep>tm5t4  7,e7 ,an outl9e ( all curr5t
 p>tn]%ips ma9ta9$ by ! ,dep>tm5t to    
bol/] teleheal? or virtual c>e s]vices =
 vet]ans4  7,f7 ,an assessm5t ( ! b>ri]s
 fac$ by ! ,dep>tm5t 9 deliv]+ teleheal?
 or virtual c>e s]vices to vet]ans      
resid+ 9 rural & highly rural areas1 & !
 /rategies ! ,dep>tm5t is deploy+ beyond
 pur*as+ h>dw>e = vet]ans :o are enroll$
 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em4  7,g7 ,a   
detail$ plan illu/rat+ h[ ! ,dep>tm5t is
 work+ ) o!r ,f$]al ag5cies1 includ+ !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,heal? & ,human ,s]vices1 ! 
,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture1 ! ,f$]al      
,communications ,commission1 & !        
,national ,telecommunications &         
,in=mation ,adm9i/ration1 to enhance    

connectivity 9 rural1 highly rural1 &   
m$ically und]s]v$ areas to bett] rea*   
all vet]ans4  7,h7 ,! feasibility &     
advisability ( p>tn]+ ) ,f$]ally        
qualifi$ heal? c5t]s1 rural heal?       
cl9ics1 & critical access hospitals to  
fill ! gap = heal? c>e s]vices t exi/s =
 vet]ans :o reside 9 rural & highly     
rural areas4  7,i7 ,an evaluation ( !   
numb] ( vet]ans :o are enroll$ 9 !      
pati5t enrollm5t sy/em :o h previ\sly   
receiv$ c>e "u ! ,vet]ans ,community    
,c>e ,program "u section #agjc ( title  
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7d7          
,submittal to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #ahj
 days aft] ! developm5t ( ! /rategic    
plan "u p>agraph 7#a7 ( subsection 7c71 
& n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ea* update  
"u p>agraph 7#b7 ( su* subsection       
!reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to !   
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report t includes ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,!     
complet$ /rategic plan or update1 z !   

case may be4  7#b7 ,an id5tification (  
areas ( improvem5t by ! ,dep>tm5t 9 !   
deliv]y ( teleheal? & virtual c>e       
s]vices to vet]ans :o are enroll$ 9 !   
pati5t enrollm5t sy/em1 ) a timel9e =   
improvem5ts to be implem5t$4  7e7       
,def9itions  7#a7 ,pati5t enrollm5t     
sy/em ,! t]m pati5t enrollm5t sy/em     
means ! sy/em ( annual pati5t enrollm5t 
( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs       
e/abli%$ & op]at$ "u section #agje7;a7 (
 title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#b7  
,rural2 highly rural ,! t]ms rural &    
highly rural h ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms 9 !
 ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas cod+     
sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture4     
7#c7 ,,va ,video ,connect ,! t]m ,,va   
,video ,connect means ! program ( !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to connect
 vet]ans ) _! heal? c>e team f any:]e1  
us+ encryption to ensure a secure &     
private connection4  7#d7 ,vet]an ,! t]m
 vet]an has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section
 #aja7b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code4  #bjb4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report 

on transportation s]vices by ?ird p>ties
 = rural vet]ans  7a7 ,report requir$ ,n
 lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( !        
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll]      
,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to 
! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !  
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on ! program e/abli%$ "u section 
#aaa;,a7b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code4  7b7 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ 
"u subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3
 7#a7 ,a description ( ! program        
describ$ 9 su* subsection1 includ+      
descriptions ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! purpose
 ( ! program4  7,b7 ,! activities c>ri$ 
out "u ! program4  7#b7 ,an assessm5t ( 
! suffici5cy ( ! program ) respect to ! 
purpose ( ! program4  7#c7 ,an assessm5t
 ( ! co/ effectiv5ess ( ! program 9     
comp>ison to alt]natives4  7#d7 ,an     
assessm5t ( ! heal? b5efits = vet]ans :o
 h p>ticipat$ 9 ! program4  7#e7 ,an    
assessm5t ( ! suffici5cy ( /aff+ (      
employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      

,affairs :o are responsible = facilitat+
 ! ma9t5ance ( ! program4  7#f7 ,an     
assessm5t1 ) respect to ! purpose ( !   
program1 ( ! numb] ( vehicles own$ by & 
op]at+ 9 conjunction ) ! program4  7#g7 
,an assessm5t ( ! aw>5ess & usage ( !   
program by vet]ans & _! families4  7#h7 
,an assessm5t ( o!r options =           
transportation "u ! program1 su* z local
 taxi companies & ride%>+ programs su* z
 ,ub] & ,lyft4  #bjc4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al
 report on teleheal? s]vices ( !        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date 
( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll]  
,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to 
! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !  
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on teleheal? s]vices provid$ by !
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4  7b7    
,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection
 7a7 %all include an assessm5t ( !      
foll[+3 7#a7 ,! teleheal? & virtual     
heal? c>e programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t (      

,vet]ans ,affairs1 includ+ ,,va ,video  
,connect4  7#b7 ,! *all5ges fac$ by !   
,dep>tm5t 9 deliv]+ teleheal? & virtual 
heal? c>e to vet]ans :o reside 9 rural &
 highly rural areas due to lack (       
connectivity 9 _m rural areas4  7#c7    
,any mitigation /rategies us$ by !      
,dep>tm5t to ov]come connectivity b>ri]s
 = vet]ans :o reside 9 rural & highly   
rural areas4  7#d7 ,! p>tn]%ips ent]$   
into by ! ,(fice ( ,connect$ ,c>e ( !   
,dep>tm5t 9 an ef=t to bol/] teleheal?  
s]vices4  7#e7 ,! ext5t to :i* !        
,dep>tm5t has exam9$ ! effectiv5ess (   
heal? c>e s]vices provid$ to vet]ans    
?r\gh teleheal? 9 comp>ison to 9-p]son  
treatm5t4  7#f7 ,satisfaction ( vet]ans 
) respect to ! teleheal? s]vices provid$
 by ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#g7 ,! use by !      
,dep>tm5t ( teleheal? appo9tm5ts 9      
comp>ison to ref]rals to c>e "u !       
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program "u    
section #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code4  7#h7 ,su* o!r areas z !        
,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate4

  ,,iii ,=eign ,m$ical ,program  #cja4  
,analysis ( feasibility & advisability (
 exp&+ assi/ance & support to c>egiv]s  
to include c>egiv]s ( vet]ans 9 !       
,republic ( ! ,philipp9es  7a7 ,f9d+s   
,congress makes ! foll[+ f9d+s3 7#a7    
,al?\gh section #afa ( ! ,,va ,,mission 
,act ( #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ahb2    
#acb ,/at4 #adch7 exp&$ ! program (     
compreh5sive assi/ance = family c>egiv]s
 ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs "u   
section #agbj;,g7a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ 
,/ates ,code1 to vet]ans ( all eras1 x  
did n exp& ! program to family c>egiv]s 
= vet]ans ov]seas4  7#b7 ,al?\gh        
c>egiv]s = vet]ans ov]seas c access     
onl9e res\rces z "p ( ! program (       
support s]vices = c>egiv]s ( vet]ans "u 
subsection 7b7 section #agbj;,g ( su*   
title1 ^? c>egiv]s miss out on all ( !  
compreh5sive s]vices & b5efits provid$  
"u subsection 7a7 ( su* section4  7#c7  
,! ,dep>tm5t has an outpati5t cl9ic & a 
regional b5efits (fice 9 ,manila1       
,republic ( ! ,philipp9es1 & ! ,=eign   

,m$ical ,program ( ! ,dep>tm5t "u       
section #agbd ( su* title is us$ heavily
 9 ! ,republic ( ! ,philipp9es by       
vet]ans :o live 9 t c\ntry4  7#d7 ,due  
to ! pres5ce ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
9 ! ,republic ( ! ,philipp9es & ! numb] 
( vet]ans :o reside !re1 t c\ntry is a  
suitable te/ case to analyze !          
feasibility & advisability ( exp&+      
c>egiv] support to c>egiv]s ( vet]ans   
ov]seas4  7b7 ,analysis ,n lat] ?an #ahj
 days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is    
,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs   
%all complete an analysis ( !           
feasibility & advisability ( mak+       
assi/ance & support "u section          
#agbj;,g7a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code1 available to c>egiv]s ( vet]ans 9
 ! ,republic ( ! ,philipp9es4  7c7      
,report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] !    
conclusion ( ! analysis conduct$ "u     
subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all submit 
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( 
! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  

report t includes ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,!     
results ( su* analysis4  7#b7 ,an       
assessm5t ( ! numb] ( vet]ans :o are    
enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em &    
reside 9 ! ,republic ( ! ,philipp9es4   
7#c7 ,an assessm5t ( ! numb] ( vet]ans  
:o are enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t     
sy/em & reside 9 ! ,republic ( !        
,philipp9es t h a c>egiv] to provide !m 
p]sonal c>e s]vices describ$ 9 section  
#agbj;,g7a77,c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$     
,/ates ,code4  7#d7 ,an assessm5t ( !   
/aff+ ne$s & associat$ co/ ( mak+       
assi/ance & support to available to     
c>egiv]s ( vet]ans 9 ! ,republic ( !    
,philipp9es4  7d7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is    
section3 7#a7 ,c>egiv] ,! t]m c>egiv]   
has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section        
#agbj;,g7d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code4  7#b7 ,pati5t enrollm5t sy/em ,! 
t]m pati5t enrollm5t sy/em means ! sy/em
 ( annual pati5t enrollm5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 ( ,vet]ans ,affairs e/abli%$ & op]at$  
"u section #agje7;a7 ( su* title4  7#c7 
,vet]an ,! t]m vet]an has ! mean+ giv5 t

 t]m 9 section #aja7b7 ( su* title4     
#cjb4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report on      
,=eign ,m$ical ,program ( ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] 
?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( 
?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to !          
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on ! ,=eign ,m$ical ,program4    
7b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by       
subsection 7a7 %all include1 = ! mo/    
rec5t five fiscal ye>s = :i* data are   
available1 an assessm5t ( ! foll[+3 7#a7
 ,! numb] ( vet]ans :o live ov]seas &   
are eligible = ! ,=eign ,m$ical         
,program4  7#b7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans :o   
live ov]seas1 are regi/]$ = ! ,=eign    
,m$ical ,program1 & use su* program4    
7#c7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans :o live ov]seas1
 are regi/]$ = ! ,=eign ,m$ical         
,program1 & d n use su* program4  7#d7  
,! numb] ( vet]ans :o are eligible = c>e
 furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      

,affairs1 live 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1       
includ+ t]ritories ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 & 
make use ( su* c>e1 includ+ ?r\gh !     
,vet]ans ,community ,c>e ,program "u    
section #agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code4  7#e7 ,any *all5ges fac$ by !   
,dep>tm5t 9 adm9i/]+ ! ,=eign ,m$ical   
,program1 includ+-- 7,a7 outrea* to     
vet]ans on eligibility = su* program &  
ensur+ vet]ans :o live ov]seas are aw>e 
( su* program2  7,b7 execut+ timely     
reimbursem5ts ( claims by vet]ans "u su*
 program2 &  7,c7 ne$ = & use (         
translation s]vices4  7#f7 ,any tr5ds   
relat+ to-- 7,a7 ! timel9ess ( process+ 
by ! ,dep>tm5t ( claims "u ! ,=eign     
,m$ical ,program & reimbursem5t (       
vet]ans "u su* program2  7,b7 types (   
c>e or treatm5t s\ght by vet]ans :o live
 ov]seas t is reimburs$ "u su* program2 
&  7,c7 types ( c>e or treatm5t eligible
 = reimbursem5t "u su* program t vet]ans
 h difficulty access+ ov]seas4  7#g7    
,any b>ri]s or ob/acles cit$ by vet]ans 
:o live ov]seas :o are regi/]$ = !      

,=eign ,m$ical ,program1 includ+ any    
diff]5ces betwe5 vet]ans :o use !       
program & vet]ans :o d n4  7#h7         
,satisfaction ( vet]ans :o live ov]seas 
) ! ,=eign ,m$ical ,program4  7#i7 ,su* 
o!r areas z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al        
consid]s appropriate4  7c7 ,=eign       
,m$ical ,program def9$ ,9 ?is section1 !
 t]m ,=eign ,m$ical ,program means !    
program "u ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs provides hospital c>e & m$ical 
s]vices "u section #agbd ( title #ch1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  ,,iv ,m5tal heal? 
c>e  #dja4 ,analysis ( feasibility &    
advisability ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs provid+ evid5ce-bas$ treatm5ts 
= ! diagnosis ( treatm5t-resi/ant       
depression  7a7 ,f9d+s ,congress makes !
 foll[+ f9d+s3 7#a7 ,a sy/ematic review 
9 #bjai ( ! economics & quality ( life  
relat+ to treatm5t-resi/ant depression  
summ>iz$ t major depressive disord] 79  
?is subsection ref]r$ to z ,,mdd7 is a  
global public heal? conc]n & t          
treatm5t-resi/ant depression 9 p>ticul> 

repres5ts a key unmet ne$4 ,! f9d+s ( t 
review highlight$ ! ne$ = improv$       
!rapies = treatm5t-resi/ant depression  
to r$uce disease burd51 l[] m$ical co/s1
 & improve ! quality ( life ( pati5ts4  
7#b7 ,! ,cl9ical ,practice ,guidel9e = !
 ,managem5t ( ,,mdd 79 ?is subsection   
ref]r$ to z ! ,,cpg7 develop$ jo9tly by 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se def9es              
treatm5t-resi/ant depression z at lea/  
two adequate treatm5t trials & lack (   
full response to ea*4  7#c7 ,! ,,cpg    
recomm5ds electro-convulsive !rapy 79   
?is subsection ref]r$ to z ,,ect7 z a   
treatm5t /rategy = pati5ts :o h fail$   
multiple o!r treatm5t /rategies4  7#d7  
,! ,,cpg recomm5ds (f]+ repetitive      
transcranial magnetic /imulation 79 ?is 
subsection ref]r$ to z r,t,m,s71 an     
int]v5tion t is indicat$ by ! ,food &   
,drug ,adm9i/ration1 = treatm5t dur+ a  
major depressive episode 9 pati5ts )    
treatm5t-resi/ant ,,mdd4  7#e7 ,! f9al  
report ( ! ,creat+ ,options = ,vet]ans' 

,exp$it$ ,recov]y ,commission 7commonly 
ref]r$ to z ! ,,cov] ,commission7       
e/abli%$ "u section #ica ( ! ,jason     
,simcakoski ,memorial & ,promise ,act   
7title ,,ix ( ,public ,law #aad-aih2 #ch
 ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 f\nd t           
treatm5t-resi/ant depression is a major 
issue ?r\gh\t ! m5tal heal? treatm5t    
sy/em1 & t an e/imat$ #ej p]c5t (       
depress$ pati5ts are inadequately treat$
 by available int]v5tions4  7#f7 ,!     
,,cov] ,commission also report$ data    
collect$ f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs t f\nd t only approximately    
#a1aff pati5ts ?r\gh\t ! ,dep>tm5t 7    
ref]r$ = ,,ect 9 #bjah & only           
approximately #ggb pati5ts 7 ref]r$ =   
r,t,m,s dur+ t ye>4  7b7 ,analysis ,n   
lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (      
,vet]ans ,affairs %all complete an      
analysis ( ! feasibility & advisability 
( mak+ repetitive transcranial magnetic 
/imulation available at all m$ical      
facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     

,affairs & electro-convulsive !rapy     
available at "o m$ical c5t] locat$ )9   
ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network
 = ! treatm5t ( vet]ans :o are enroll$ 9
 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em & h a         
diagnosis ( treatm5t-resi/ant           
depression4  7c7 ,inclusion ( assessm5t 
( report ,! analysis conduct$ "u        
subsection 7b7 %all include an assessm5t
 ( ! f9al report ( ! ,,cov] ,commission 
submitt$ "u section #ica7;e77#b7 ( !    
,jason ,simcakoski ,memorial & ,promise 
,act 7title ,,ix ( ,public ,law         
#aad-aih2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note74    
7d7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] !
 conclusion ( ! analysis conduct$ "u    
subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all submit 
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( 
! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report t includes ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,!     
results ( su* analysis4  7#b7 ,an       
assessm5t ( ! numb] ( vet]ans :o are    
enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em & :o 
h a diagnosis ( treatm5t-resi/ant       

depression p] ,vet]ans ,integrat$       
,s]vice ,network dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod   
prec$+ ! date ( ! report4  7#c7 ,an     
assessm5t ( ! numb] ( ! vet]ans :o are  
enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em :o h 
a diagnosis ( treatm5t-resi/ant         
depression & :o h receiv$ or are        
curr5tly receiv+ repetitive transcranial
 magnetic /imulation or                 
electro-convulsive !rapy z a treatm5t   
modality dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod prec$+ !  
date ( ! report4  7#d7 ,an assessm5t ( !
 numb] & locations ( m$ical c5t]s ( !   
,dep>tm5t t curr5tly provide repetitive 
transcranial magnetic /imulation to     
vet]ans :o are enroll$ 9 ! pati5t       
enrollm5t sy/em & :o h a diagnosis (    
treatm5t-resi/ant depression4  7#e7 ,an 
assessm5t ( ! numb] & locations ( m$ical
 c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t t curr5tly provide 
electro-convulsive !rapy to vet]ans :o  
are enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em &
 :o h a diagnosis ( treatm5t-resi/ant   
depression4  7e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is     
section3 7#a7 ,pati5t enrollm5t sy/em ,!

 t]m pati5t enrollm5t sy/em means !     
sy/em ( annual pati5t enrollm5t ( !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs e/abli%$ &
 op]at$ "u section #agje7;a7 ( title    
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#b7 ,vet]an 
,! t]m vet]an has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9  
section #aja7b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$     
,/ates ,code4  #djb4 ,modification (    
res\rce allocation sy/em to include pe] 
speciali/s  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o 
ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1
 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all   
modify ! ,vet]ans ,equitable ,res\rce   
,allocation sy/em1 or successor sy/em1  
to ensure t res\rce allocations "u su*  
sy/em1 or successor sy/em1 include pe]  
speciali/s appo9t$ "u section           
#gdjb7;b77#ac7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code4  7b7 ,vet]ans ,equitable  
,res\rce ,allocation sy/em def9$ ,9 ?is 
section1 ! t]m ,vet]ans ,equitable      
,res\rce ,allocation sy/em means !      
res\rce allocation sy/em e/abli%$       
pursuant to section #dbi ( ! ,dep>tm5ts 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,h\se & ,urban    

,developm5t1 & ,indep5d5t ,ag5cies      
,appropriations ,act1 #aiig 7,public    
,law #ajd-bjd2 #aaj ,/at4 #bibi74  #djc4
 ,gap analysis ( psy*o!rapeutic         
int]v5tions ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans    
,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #bgj 
days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs   
%all complete a gap analysis ?r\gh\t !  
entire heal? c>e sy/em ( ! ,vet]ans     
,heal? ,adm9i/ration on ! use &         
availability ( psy*o!rapeutic           
int]v5tions recomm5d$ 9 widely us$      
cl9ical practice guidel9es z recomm5d$ 9
 ! f9al report ( ! ,,cov] ,commission   
submitt$ "u section #ica7;e77#b7 ( !    
,jason ,simcakoski ,memorial & ,promise 
,act 7title ,,ix ( ,public ,law         
#aad-aih2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note74    
7b7 ,elem5ts ,! gap analysis requir$ "u 
subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3   
7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! psy*o!rapeutic   
int]v5tions available & r\t9ely deliv]$ 
to vet]ans at m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 ( ,vet]ans ,affairs )9 ea* ,vet]ans    

,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network ( !         
,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,an assessm5t ( !      
b>ri]s fac$ by m$ical c5t]s ( !         
,dep>tm5t 9 (f]+ c]ta9 psy*o!rapeutic   
int]v5tions & :y ^? int]v5tions are n   
widely implem5t$ or are exclud$ f       
implem5tation ?r\gh\t ! entire heal? c>e
 sy/em ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?              
,adm9i/ration4  7c7 ,report & plan ,n   
lat] ?an #ahj days aft] complet+ ! gap  
analysis "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y 
%all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'
 ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on  
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives-- 7#a7 a report on !    
results ( ! analysis2 &  7#b7 a plan )  
measurable1 "t-limit$ /eps = ! ,dep>tm5t
 to implem5t-- 7,a7 to address ! gaps t 
limit access ( vet]ans to c>e2 &  7,b7  
to treat v>i\s m5tal heal? conditions   
across ! entire heal? c>e sy/em ( !     
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4  ,v ,o!r 
matt]s  #eja4 ,onl9e heal? c>e education
 portal  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj  
days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     

,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs   
%all e/abli% an onl9e heal? c>e         
education portal to ensure vet]ans      
enroll$ 9 ! pati5t enrollm5t sy/em ( !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs "u section
 #agje7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 are aw>e ( ! heal? c>e s]vices   
provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t & und]/& _! basic
 heal? c>e entitlem5ts "u ! laws        
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4  7b7           
,int]active modules  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!   
heal? c>e education portal e/abli%$ "u  
subsection 7a7 %all include1 at a       
m9imum1 int]active onl9e educational    
modules on ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,heal? c>e f !
 ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 9 !      
community1 includ+ "u ! ,vet]ans        
,community ,c>e ,program "u section     
#agjc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 
7,b7 ,teleheal? s]vices4  7,c7 ,!       
appeals process = ! ,vet]ans ,heal?     
,adm9i/ration4  7,d7 ,pati5t align$ c>e 
teams4  7,e7 ,m5tal heal? c>e s]vices4  
7,f7 ,suicide prev5tion s]vices4  7,g7  
,specialty c>e s]vices4  7,h7 ,d5tal    

heal? s]vices4  7,i7 ,wom5's heal?      
s]vices4  7,j7 ,navigat+ ! publicly     
accessible int]net websites & mobile    
applications ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?        
,adm9i/ration4  7,k7 ,vacc9ations (f]$  
?r\gh ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4  
7,l7 ,toxic exposure4  7,m7 ,milit>y    
sexual trauma4  7,n7 ,topics set =? "u  
section #aba7;b7 ( ! ,,va ,,mission ,act
 ( #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ahb2 #ch    
,u4,s4,c4 #agja note74  7#b7 ,module    
updates ,! ,secret>y %all update !      
curriculum cont5t ( ! modules describ$ 9
 p>agraph 7#a7 n less frequ5tly ?an     
annually to ensure su* modules conta9 ! 
mo/ curr5t in=mation on ! module topic4 
7c7 ,heal? c>e education portal         
requirem5ts ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t !
 heal? c>e education portal e/abli%$ "u 
subsection 7a7 meets ! foll[+           
requirem5ts3 7#a7 ,! portal is directly 
accessible f-- 7,a7 ,! ma9 home page ( !
 publicly accessible int]net website ( !
 ,dep>tm5t2 &  7,b7 ,! ma9 home page ( !
 publicly accessible int]net website (  

ea* m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,! 
portal is easily und]/&able & usable by 
! g5]al public4  7d7 ,pr9t mat]ial ,9   
develop+ ! heal? c>e education portal   
e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y 
%all ensure t mat]ials includ$ 9 su*    
portal are accessible 9 pr9t =mat at ea*
 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t to vet]ans :o
 may n h access to ! int]net4  7e7      
,consultation & contract au?ority ,9    
c>ry+ out ! heal? c>e education portal  
e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a71 !           
,secret>y-- 7#a7 %all consult )         
organizations recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y =
 ! repres5tation ( vet]ans "u section   
#eijb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 
&  7#b7 may ent] into a contract ) a    
company1 non-pr(it entity1 or o!r entity
 specializ+ 9 developm5t ( educational  
programs to design ! portal & !         
curriculum = modules "u subsection 7b74 
7f7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] !   
e/abli%m5t ( ! heal? c>e education      
portal "u subsection 7a71 & annually    
!reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to !   

,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report-- 7#a7 assess+ ! use by vet]ans (
 ! portal1 includ+-- 7,a7 ov]all usage (
 ! portal2 &  7,b7 use ( ea* module "u  
subsection 7b72  7#b7 assess+ !         
effectiv5ess ( ! education program      
conta9$ 9 su* portal2  7#c7 evaluat+ !  
curriculum conta9$ 9 su* portal2  7#d7  
provid+ su* recomm5dations on           
modifications to ! curriculum conta9$ 9 
su* portal z ! ,secret>y consid]s       
appropriate2 &  7#e7 includ+ su* o!r    
elem5ts ! ,secret>y consid]s            
appropriate4  #ejb4 ,exclusion (        
application ( ,pap]work ,r$uction ,act  
to rese>* activities ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?
 ,adm9i/ration  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt]  
,,ii ( *apt] #gc ( title #ch1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end 
! foll[+ new section3  #gccj;,d4        
,inapplicability ( ,pap]work ,r$uction  
,act to rese>* activities ,sub*apt] ,i (
 *apt] #ce ( title #dd 7commonly ref]r$ 

to z ! ,pap]work ,r$uction ,act7 %all n 
apply to ! volunt>y collection (        
in=mation dur+ ! conduct ( rese>* by !  
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ !
 ,(fice ( ,rese>* & ,developm5t1 or     
individuals or entities affiliat$ ) !   
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4  4  7b7  
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( su* sub*apt] is am5d$ by     
ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section    
#gccj;,c ! foll[+ new item3  #gccj;,d4  
,inapplicability ( ,pap]work ,r$uction  
,act to rese>* activities4  4