On April 25, 2017, Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) http://thompson.house.gov and Julia Brownley (D-CA) http://juliabrownley.house.gov introduced the “Veteran E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act” (VETS) of 2017 (H.R.2123) www.congress.gov.
The bipartisan legislation would enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) www.va.gov health professionals to practice telemedicine across state borders if they are qualified and practice within the scope of their authorized federal duties. Currently cumbersome location requirements can make it difficult for veterans especially those veterans struggling with mental health issues to get the help they need.
The Act would also create a VA state licensure exemption to allow VA-credentialed healthcare professionals to work across state borders to perform telemedicine without having to obtain a new license in that state.
Under current law, VA doctors can only provide telehealth treatment across state lines if the veteran and doctor are located in federal facilities. The VETS Act of 2017, removes these barriers and allows the VA to provide treatment through physicians free of this restriction.
A companion bill (S 925) was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) www.ernst.senate.gov and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) www.hirono.senate.gov. This bill not only enables VA health professions to practice telemedicine across state lines if they are qualified but also ensures that the VA and Congress provide oversight of the VA’s telehealth program by requiring the VA to measure program effectiveness.