The Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017 (H.R. 2123) was introduced by Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Julia Brownley, D-Calif., in April. In addition to creating a VA state licensure exemption that would permit VA healthcare professionals to practice telemedicine across state borders, the bill would expand the definition of exempt healthcare professionals to include VA physicians and remove the location requirement to allow for care regardless of where the healthcare professional or patient is located.
“I am pleased the House passed this bill today to allow our servicemen and women greater access to care — especially those in rural areas. As our nation celebrates Veterans Day this weekend, it is particularly meaningful and sends a message that we put our veterans first. This bill will ensure that our veterans receive timely healthcare no matter where they live. I thank Rep. Brownley, Chairman [Phil] Roe, MD and Ranking Member [Tim] Walz for their support of the VETS Act,” Mr. Thompson said.
A companion bill (S. 925) submitted by Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, has been stalled before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs since April.
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