Home California Congressman Jerry McNerney Introduces Bill to Improve Medical Care for Veterans

Congressman Jerry McNerney Introduces Bill to Improve Medical Care for Veterans

by ECT

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Washington, D.C. –   Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) today introduced the Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act to help improve medical care for veterans.

“Our veterans have sacrificed for the nation and deserve the best care we can provide,” said Rep. McNerney.  “My bill will help make sure VA doctors are well-trained and have access to the latest techniques and treatments.”

Rep. McNerney’s bill will encourage VA medical professionals to participate in continuing education courses in their field of practice by increasing the amount of money the VA will cover for such classes from $1,000 to $1,600.  This will be the first time the reimbursement rate has increased since 1991.

“The VFW is pleased to offer our support for the Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act,” said Ray Kelley, VFW’s legislative director. “Recruiting and retaining quality medical professionals is high priority for the VFW as highlighted in our recently published VA health care report, ‘Hurry Up and Wait.’ We thank Congressman McNerney for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to ensure the passage of this important legislation.”

The bill also allows the VA to offer reimbursements for continuing professional education to more VA health care employees, such as nurses, psychologists, physical therapists and other medical providers.  Currently, only physicians and dentists can be reimbursed by the VA for continuing education courses.  This provision is particularly important given the need for health care professionals who should be equipped with up-to-date training on how to provide care for traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, both of which have been on the increase in the past decade.

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