The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has designated patient advocates at each VA medical center (VAMC) to receive and document feedback from veterans or their representatives, including requests for information, compliments, complaints and assist with clinical appeals. Given concerns in recent years with VHA’s ability to provide veterans timely access to health care, the importance of a strong patient advocacy program has taken on new significance.
H.R. 5755, the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, would direct VAMC directors to ensure there is no fewer than one patient advocate for every 13,500 enrolled veterans. Additionally, it would also address the need for highly rural veterans to have access to the services of patient advocates assigned to rural community-based outpatient clinics.
DAV supports H.R. 5755, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 056, which recognizes that staffing shortages and vacancies in the VA health care system, including critical positions like patient advocates, can hamper the ability of veterans who rely on the VA to overcome barriers to accessing the care they need and deserve.
We call on all DAV members and supporters to contact their representative and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 5755—the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act.