US Senate OKs bipartisan telehealth services bill for veterans

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill that seeks to improve veterans’ access to health care services by expanding telehealth services – including mental health treatment — provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support (VETS) Act was introduced by Senators Mazie K. Hirono(D-Hawaii) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).

“The VETS Act will help Hawaii veterans access high quality VA care and health services when they need it, where they need it,” Hirono said in a press statement. “I urge the swift enactment of the bill and will continue to fight to ensure Hawaii veterans can access the care they need from a strong, well-resourced VA system.”

“All of our veterans must have access to quality and timely care, including life-saving mental health treatment, regardless of where they live,” said Ernst. “With more than 200,000 veterans across Iowa, I am thrilled to see our bipartisan effort advance through the U.S. Senate so we can continue working to ensure better care for those who have sacrificed so much.”

The VETS Act allows VA health officials to practice telemedicine across state lines if they are qualified and practice within the scope of their authorized federal duties. Senators Hirono and Ernst first introduced the VETS Act in 2015, and reintroduced it in the 115th Congress in April of 2017.