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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its medical regulations concerning its authority for eligible veterans to receive care from non-VA entities and providers.  The Veterans Access Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 directs VA to establish a program to furnish hospital care and medical services through non-VA care health care providers to veterans who either cannot be seen within the wait time goals of the Department or who qualify based on their residence.  The law also requires VA to publish an interim final rule establishing this program.  This interim final rule defines the parameters of the Veterans Choice Program and clarifies aspects affecting veterans and the non-VA providers who will furnish hospital care and medical services through the Veterans Choice Program.

Overall Description of Deadline: On August 7, 2014, the President signed into law the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 ("the Act," Public Law 113-146, 128 Stat. 1754 ). Section 101 of the Act requires the Secretary to furnish hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through agreements with identified eligible entities or providers. Sec. 101(a)(1)(A), Public Law 113-146, 128 Stat. 1754. Delivery of such care through non-VA health care providers will be at the election of eligible Veterans.