A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that women veterans may schedule appointments for women's specialty care under the laws administered by the Secretary without requiring a referral, and for other purposes.

# Summary of S 3999: Women Veterans Direct Scheduling Bill **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would change how women veterans access specialized medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Currently, women veterans typically need a referral from their primary care doctor before they can schedule appointments for women's specialty care services. The bill would eliminate this requirement, allowing women veterans to directly schedule these appointments without going through a referral process first. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects women veterans using VA healthcare services.

By removing the referral requirement, the legislation aims to streamline access to women-focused medical services, such as gynecological care and other gender-specific treatments. This change could reduce wait times and give women veterans more control over their healthcare decisions. **Current Status** S 3999 was introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill remains under consideration and has not been enacted into law.