Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Rural Veterans' Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill does:** This legislation expands and extends a pilot program that allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hire non-VA health care professionals to conduct disability examinations for veterans seeking VA benefits. Currently limited to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists, the bill adds dentists, pharmacists, and other qualified health professionals to the list. The program would be extended through January 2031. **Who it affects:** Rural veterans would be the primary beneficiaries, as the expanded contractor program aims to improve access to required medical examinations in areas where VA facilities may be distant or unavailable.
The bill also affects health care professionals who could be contracted for these services and the VA, which manages the program. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Republican Representative Juan Ciscomani of Arizona and is now awaiting action in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
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.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.