Title 38 — Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-73

§8159 Authority to pay for services authorized but not subject to an agreement

Title 38 › Part PART VI— - ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY › Chapter CHAPTER 81— - ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF HOSPITAL AND DOMICILIARY FACILITIES; PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY; ENHANCED-USE LEASES OF REAL PROPERTY › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER IV— - SHARING OF MEDICAL FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND INFORMATION › § 8159

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

If a provider who is not part of an existing contract gives hospital, medical, or extended care that the Secretary had authorized under a contract, the Secretary can pay that provider for the cost. The Secretary must reasonably try to make a contract or agreement with that provider so future care is covered.

Full Legal Text

Title 38, §8159

Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)If, in the course of furnishing hospital care, a medical service, or an extended care service authorized by the Secretary and pursuant to a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with the Secretary, a provider who is not a party to the contract, agreement, or other arrangement furnishes hospital care, a medical service, or an extended care service that the Secretary considers necessary, the Secretary may compensate the provider for the cost of such care or service.

(b)The Secretary shall take reasonable efforts to enter into a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with a provider described in subsection (a) to ensure that future care and services authorized by the Secretary and furnished by the provider are subject to such a contract, agreement, or other arrangement.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

38 U.S.C. § 8159

Title 38 — Veterans' Benefits

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73