Teresa Morris, Director, Advocacy & Government Relations

Greetings NOVA Members –

It has been a busy July – NOVA submitted testimony to both the House and Senate VA Committees on pending legislation. 

Bills discussed at HVAC hearings would enhance CPE tuition and fees (HR 3693, VA CPE Modernization Act), improve the hiring and onboarding process (HR 3027, Veterans Improved Access to Care Act), require an independent assessment of health care delivery and require VA to make certain information available on a public facing site (HR 2775, VA Quality Health Care Accountability and Transparency Act), this includes staffing/vacancies, wait times, and quality of care data.  

The Senate VA Committee hearing included a bill “Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act which requires VA to comply, verify and review all documentation for any healthcare provider working or employed by the VHA. It also addresses provider accountability within the VHA and proper reporting to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and State Licensing Boards (SLBs). NOVA commented that we strongly support updating policies and procedures and verifying credentials and licensure as oversight and accountability are important in any healthcare system. We provided some of our thoughts on how to strengthen the bill’s language.

NOVA testimony can be found on the website: Congressional Statements & Letters (vanurse.org)

As we move towards August and Congressional recess work period, I challenge all of you to take some time to meet with your Members (House and Senate) to discuss some of these issues and other critical VA issues important to you and NOVA. All House of Representatives and Senators have offices located in the District/State and should be hosting Town Hall meetings as well. Check their individual websites for COVID-19 guidance and when they will be available to meet.

It is a great time to get in front of your members and find out what they are planning for the month while they are home working. Also, take note of any members in your state that sit on the House and Senate VA Committees as they have jurisdiction over all VA issues.

For US House of Representatives: Homepage | house.gov

For US Senators: U.S. Senate: Senators

NOVA has provided a step-by-step “How To” schedule a meeting guide on the website.

2021_scheduling_a_meeting_wi.pdf (ymaws.com)

Schedule a Meeting with Your Member of Congress (vanurse.org)

Some of the issues NOVA has been actively involved include discussing pay caps, equity and the need for a review of staffing levels pre and post COVID. Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals is our highest priority – especially in high-cost areas where shortages may affect timely access to high quality care for Veterans.

For copies of NOVA letters of support sent to the Hill, visit the NOVA website. 

For a list of our complete 2021 legislative priority goals: 2021_nova_legislative_priori.pdf (ymaws.com) 

Stay Tuned!