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REPUBLICAN PRESS RELEASE

April 15, 2008

Subcommittee Examines Measures to Improve Delivery of VA Health Care

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on six legislative proposals intended to improve delivery of health care to our nation’s veterans.

Among the bills considered was H.R. 5554, the Veterans’ Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008. This bipartisan bill, introduced last month by Health Subcommittee Chairman Michaud (D-Maine) and Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), would require Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities to provide comprehensive care for substance use disorders. It would also direct VA to conduct a pilot program for internet-based substance use disorder treatment for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

“Substance use disorders can be treated and recovery is possible,” said Miller. “It is essential that we understand the nature of substance use disorder among our veterans and effectively break the barriers that prevent them from obtaining treatment. We must empower them to overcome their condition and lead productive lives.”

Also considered during the hearing was H.R. 5622, the Veterans’ Timely Access to Health Care Act, introduced by Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla.), Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. The bill would create a pilot program aimed at improving veterans’ access to health care. The goal of the program is to provide such care within thirty days from the date the veteran contacts the VA. If unable to meet this timeline, VA would be required to provide care at a non-VA facility.

“There is no reason any veteran should have to wait more than thirty days to receive basic healthcare,” said Brown-Waite. “Health care delayed is health care denied.”

Other bills considered included:

* H.R. 2818, to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the VA, introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.)

* H.R. 5595, Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2008, introduced by Rep. Christopher Carney (D-Pa.)

* H.R. 5729, Spina Bifida Health Care Program Enhancement Act, introduced by Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.)

* H.R. 5730, to direct VA to display an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights, introduced by Chairman Bob Filner (D-Calif.)

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posted by Larry Scott
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