The Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 seeks to significantly improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, particularly the Veterans Community Care Program. It codifies specific eligibility standards for community care, setting maximum driving times and wait times for primary, mental health, extended, and specialty care. The bill also requires the VA to notify veterans of their eligibility for community care within two business days and to provide periodic reminders, while excluding telehealth appointments from the determination of whether the VA can meet these access standards. To enhance veteran-centric care, the legislation mandates that the VA consider a veteran's preference for where, when, and how to receive care, ensure continuity of care, and account for the need for a caregiver or attendant when arranging community care. If a veteran's request for community care is denied, the VA must provide written notification within two business days, explaining the reason for denial and outlining the appeal process. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for community care providers to submit claims from 180 days to one year, aiming to streamline administrative processes. A major focus of the bill is on improving mental health treatment programs. It requires the VA to establish a standardized screening process within one year to determine eligibility for residential mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. This process includes specific criteria for priority admission , such as significant symptoms, unsafe living situations, or high suicide risk, with mandates for screening within 48 hours of request and admission within 48 hours of determination for priority cases. If the VA cannot provide timely admission to its own mental health residential treatment programs, the bill requires offering veterans the option to receive care at qualified non-Department facilities. It also mandates the development of performance metrics to track screening and admission timeliness, and a process to assess the quality of care provided by both VA and non-VA providers. Furthermore, the bill establishes a national clinical appeals policy for denied admissions or untimely bed placements, with a 72-hour review period, and requires the VA to cover transportation costs for veterans admitted to these programs. Beyond direct care, the bill introduces technological and systemic improvements. It directs the VA to develop an interactive online self-service module for veterans to request appointments, track referrals, receive reminders, and appeal care denials. The legislation also strengthens the VA's Center for Innovation for Care and Payment, making its functions mandatory and expanding its authority to waive certain regulations to foster innovation. Finally, it establishes a three-year pilot program allowing veterans in at least five locations to directly access community outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or pre-authorization, prioritizing areas with high rates of veteran suicide, overdose deaths, or long wait times.