Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Rick Scott has introduced the Scheduling for Community Health and Easy Data to Understand for Legislators to Evaluate Services (SCHEDULES) Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill aimed at increasing transparency and improving access to care for veterans. The SCHEDULES Act would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a comprehensive standard for timing between referrals and appointments for care at VA facilities and to submit a report with respect to that standard.

This legislation is based on reports from the Government Accountability Office that highlighted issues related to timeliness in accessing care for veterans. Senator Jon Ossoff is co-leading the legislation, and Congressman Scott Franklin is leading the charge in the House of Representatives. The bill has received endorsements from several veteran organizations, including the Blinded Veterans Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Senator Rick Scott, a Navy veteran himself and the son of a WWII veteran, emphasized the importance of accountability and responsiveness in delivering healthcare to veterans. He stated, "My bill, the SCHEDULES Act, will increase transparency within the VA to require uniform standards across the board so veterans have more insight into when their appointments will be scheduled. As a Navy veteran myself and the son of a WWII veteran, I know that our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and they should never be forced to play a guessing game of when they will be taken care of."

Senator Jon Ossoff highlighted the need for reduced wait times for Georgia veterans, saying, "Georgia veterans are still having to wait way too long to get health care through the VA. This bipartisan bill will help hold the VA accountable to meet clear and transparent targets for reduced wait times."

Congressman Scott Franklin, a veteran himself, expressed his understanding of the challenges veterans face when navigating the VA system. He emphasized the need for timely and reliable care, stating, "Veterans have earned the highest quality care, and Congress must hold the VA accountable to provide it quickly and reliably. This important bill would ensure the VA swiftly provides, not just schedules, needed care."

The SCHEDULES Act requires the Secretary of the VA to establish a comprehensive standard for timing between referrals and appointments. It also mandates a quarterly report to Congress on the number of referrals that meet the standard set by the VA and requires a ranking of VA medical centers based on their ability to meet the standard.

The introduction of the SCHEDULES Act has been welcomed by veteran organizations. Jose Ramos, Executive Director and Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the Wounded Warrior Project, expressed appreciation for the bill, stating, "The SCHEDULES Act will help create standards to ensure veterans get their care sooner." Donald D. Overton, Jr., the Executive Director of the Blinded Veterans Association, also voiced support for the bill, highlighting the importance of addressing the inadequacies that negatively affect blind and low vision veterans in need of immediate care.

Nancy Espinosa, National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, emphasized the need to keep the promise of timely, high-quality healthcare for disabled veterans. She stated, "Establishing a comprehensive standard for timing between referrals and appointments through the SCHEDULES Act is one way to ensure that promise is kept."

With the SCHEDULES Act, Senator Rick Scott aims to improve transparency and accountability within the VA, ensuring that veterans receive timely access to the care they deserve. The bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of veterans across the country.