All Roll Calls
Yes: 419 • No: 0
117-s-2533117th CongressWALLET
Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act
Sponsored By: Senator Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Became Law
Summary
Expand access to high-quality breast imaging and cancer care for veterans. The law directs the VA to upgrade technology, expand remote and mobile screening options, study genetic testing and accessibility needs, and partner with the National Cancer Institute to improve clinical trial access and care coordination.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Genetic testing for veterans with breast cancer
VA studies access to breast cancer gene testing based on clinical guidelines. It looks at expanding genetic testing and counseling nationwide and finding gaps for rural and highly rural veterans. VA must update guidelines to increase molecular testing and counseling and may add decision support tools. A report to Congress is due within two years on results, guideline changes, clinical pathways, and access progress.
NCI cancer center access for veterans
VA must partner with at least one National Cancer Institute center in each VISN to expand cancer care for veterans. If you have breast cancer and live in a rural area or in a State without a partnered center, you can get care through telehealth under these partnerships. VA must report in 180 days on making NAVIGATE advances permanent and possible expansion beyond 12 VA sites. Starting three years after enactment and every three years, VA reports on access and clinical trial participation, including data on women, minority, and rural veterans.
Telescreening mammograms for rural veterans
VA must start a three-year telescreening mammography pilot within 18 months. It serves veterans in States without VA breast imaging or where VA access is hard. The pilot can use clinics, mobile vans, community health centers, and similar sites. Images go to a VA telescreening center for reading, and results are shared with you and your primary care provider. VA must send Congress an evaluation within one year after the pilot ends.
VA 3D mammograms and access plan
The law requires VA to upgrade all VA mammography to 3D (digital breast tomosynthesis) within two years and report which sites use it. VA must also send Congress a one-year strategic plan to improve breast imaging. The plan must cover women’s needs, male veterans who need screening, geographic gaps, staffing, use of 3D, and mobile mammography. It must include steps to improve access and equity.
Better imaging access for paralyzed veterans
VA studies how accessible breast imaging is for veterans with paralysis or a spinal cord injury. It checks equipment, transfer help, rooms, best practices, and screening rates for the prior two years, including rural areas. If rates are missing, VA creates a way to track them. VA must report findings within two years. VA also updates referral rules now so non-VA sites are confirmed accessible and get best-practice guidance.
IG review of VA mammography care
The VA Inspector General must report within two years on mammography access at VA and non-VA sites, staffing, screening quality (including 3D use), and how results are shared. VA must file a plan within 180 days to fix any problems found.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Tester, Jon [D-MT]
MT • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
AR • R
Sponsored 7/29/2021
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 7/29/2021
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 7/29/2021
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 1/4/2022
Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
MI • D
Sponsored 1/31/2022
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 5/18/2022
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Yes: 419 • No: 0