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VA RIN: 2900-AP60 Publication ID: Fall 2015 
Title: ●Expanded Access to Non-VA Care Through the Veterans Choice Program 
Abstract:

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 (the Choice Act) 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 Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act of 2014 amended the Choice Act to define additional criteria to determine that a veteran’s travel to a VA medical facility is an unusual or excessive burden, and the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 amended the Choice Act to cover all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system under 17.36, repeal the 60-day limit on an episode of care, clarify wait-time eligibility requirements, modify the 40-mile distance eligibility criterion, and expand provider eligibility based on criteria as determined by VA. This interim final rule revises VA regulations consistent with these changes made to the Choice Act.

 
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs(VA)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.1500 to 17.1540   
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-146, sec 101    Pub. L. 114-19, sec. 3(a)(2)    Pub. L. 114-41, sec. 4005    38 U.S.C. 1701 (note)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Interim Final Rule  11/00/2015 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Kristin Cunningham
Chief, Business Office (16)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20420
Phone:202 461-1599
Email: kristin.cunningham@va.gov