Commission issues recommendations for VA health care system

The Commission on Care today submitted to the president its recommendations for transforming veteran’s health care. The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 established the commission to examine veterans’ access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care and how best to organize the Veterans Health Administration, locate health resources and deliver health care to veterans during the next 20 years. The Commission found that systemic problems in staffing, information technology, procurement and other core functions threaten the long-term viability of the VA’s health care system and that redesigning veteran’s health care delivery was critical to providing veterans with the care they deserve. In order to assure veterans receive better access to care, the Commission proposes VA establish high-performing, integrated health networks that include both VA and community-based providers who meet stringent VA credentialing requirements. The Commission also recommends that VA exclusively serve veterans with their core competencies such as specialized behavioral health, spinal cord injury care, prosthetics and rehabilitation services. “The AHA supports the recommendations of the Commission to expand access to care for veterans in their communities and do away with eligibility requirements such as arbitrary distances and 30-day wait times that have impeded the ability to care for veterans,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. “America’s hospitals stand ready to care for veterans who have proudly served our country.” Nancy Schlichting, CEO of the Henry Ford Health System, chairs the Commission; and Delos Cosgrove, M.D., CEO of Cleveland Clinic, and David Blom, president and CEO of OhioHealth, serve as commissioners representing health care providers.