Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) cosponsored a bill this week that would improve the scheduling process at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and ensure veterans have access to quality and timely care.
H.R. 6207, the Act to Improve VA Timing and Efficiency (ACTIVATE), was introduced earlier this week by Rep. David Valadao (CA-21). The bill would increase scheduling efficiency at the VA by allowing the Department to seek outside help from professional medical schedulers and operators to assist veterans in making appointment and follow-up visits at VA medical facilities. This would help address concerns about long wait times and other difficulties many veterans face in seeking medical care from the Department.
“We owe our veterans quality care and service when they return home, but that is difficult when inefficiency at the VA creates long wait times,” said Representative Knight. “I am proud to join my colleagues in ensuring our veterans can get the care they need in a timely manner.”
Knight, a veteran of the United States Army, says measures like these are needed to restore trust between the VA and the service members that it serves so that it can function properly. Earlier this year he introduced the No Hero Left Untreated Act, which would improve the VA by creating a pilot program for a promising new mental health treatment for veterans.
H.R 6207 was introduced on Wednesday. It now awaits consideration in committee.
