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119-s-1134119th CongressWALLET

Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]

Introduced

Summary

Strengthening patient advocacy for rural veterans: This bill would require each VA medical center to designate at least one patient advocate to coordinate care for veterans in rural and highly-rural areas. It would also add a reporting line to medical center directors and require an annual report from the Patient Advocate Tracking System.

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  • Veterans in rural and highly-rural areas: Would get at least one designated patient advocate to help coordinate care received at community-based outpatient clinics or through the community care network.
  • VA medical center directors and staff: Directors would need to ensure a patient advocate reports to the director at some point along the reporting line. Directors are asked to use existing staff for the role when practicable.
  • Oversight and transparency: The Secretary must send an annual report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House and Senate and to each Veterans Integrated Service Network director. Reports must include de-identified data on common issues reported, resolution times for issues and for requests for information, and compliments or complaints.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Patient advocates for rural veterans

This bill would require each VA medical center director to designate at least one patient advocate to coordinate care for veterans in rural and highly-rural areas who get care outside a VA medical center. The advocate would help veterans using community-based outpatient clinics and the community care network. Directors would be told to use existing medical center staff when possible. The requirement would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]

ND • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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