Summary of Bill S 654

Title

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 654 aims to enhance the efficiency of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in scheduling appointments for veterans seeking care and services through the Veterans Community Care Program. By establishing a national External Provider Scheduling Program, the bill seeks to streamline the appointment scheduling process, ultimately improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant provisions:

1. Establishment of the Program:

   • A national External Provider Scheduling Program will be created within the VA to assist in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program.

2. Technology Integration:

   • The Program will utilize technology that allows VA schedulers to view the real-time schedules of healthcare providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program.

3. Contractual Implementation:

   • The Secretary of the VA will implement the Program through an existing contract, if feasible, or through a new contract.

4. Performance Goals:

   • The Program aims to:
     • Reduce the time taken from the referral of veterans to healthcare providers to the actual scheduling of appointments.
     • Decrease the time required for VA schedulers to schedule these appointments.

5. Reporting Requirements:

   • The Secretary must submit an annual report to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs by September 30 each year through 2028, detailing the progress of the Program.

Affected Parties

• Veterans: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be veterans who utilize the Veterans Community Care Program, as the bill aims to reduce wait times for appointments.
• Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA will be responsible for implementing and managing the new scheduling program, which may involve changes in operational procedures and technology use.

Legislative Status

• Introduced: February 20, 2025
• Committee Actions:
  • The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs on the same day it was introduced.
  • Hearings were held on March 11, 2025.
  • On July 30, 2025, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs ordered the bill to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Jerry Moran
• Cosponsors: Deb Fischer, John Boozman, Ted Budd

Conclusion

Bill S 654 represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access for veterans by establishing a more efficient scheduling system within the VA. By leveraging technology and streamlining processes, the bill aims to reduce wait times for appointments, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to veterans.