This legislation aims to significantly improve access to patient advocates for veterans, with a particular emphasis on those residing in rural areas. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs ensure rural veterans can access these essential services, including, where feasible, by assigning patient advocates directly to rural community-based outpatient clinics . The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to implement these new provisions within two years of the Act's enactment. Additionally, the legislation directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within the same two-year timeframe, evaluating the Department's implementation of these improved patient advocate services for rural veterans.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Armed Forces and National Security
Congressional oversightGovernment information and archivesHealth care coverage and accessRural conditions and developmentVeterans' medical care
Veterans Patient Advocacy Act
USA119th CongressHR-2068| House
| Updated: 6/12/2025
This legislation aims to significantly improve access to patient advocates for veterans, with a particular emphasis on those residing in rural areas. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs ensure rural veterans can access these essential services, including, where feasible, by assigning patient advocates directly to rural community-based outpatient clinics . The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to implement these new provisions within two years of the Act's enactment. Additionally, the legislation directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within the same two-year timeframe, evaluating the Department's implementation of these improved patient advocate services for rural veterans.