A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

Senate Bill

S. 654

119th Congress

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 20, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jerry Moran

R - KS

Cosponsors

3

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill establishes a national External Provider Scheduling Program within the VA to improve appointment scheduling for the Veterans Community Care Program. It requires technology enabling VA schedulers to view participating healthcare providers schedules in real time. The program must reduce time from referral to appointment scheduling and be available at all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill establishes a national External Provider Scheduling Program within the VA to improve appointment scheduling for the Veterans Community Care Program. It requires technology enabling VA schedulers to view participating healthcare providers schedules in real time. The program must reduce time from referral to appointment scheduling and be available at all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

This bill establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a national External Provider Scheduling Program to assist the VA in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). The program must consist of technology that allows VA schedulers to view the schedules of health care providers participating in the VCCP in real time.The VA must ensure the program reduces the time (1) from referral to the actual scheduling of appointments for care or services, and (2) for VA schedulers to schedule appointments for care or services.The VA must also ensure the program is available to all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates national External Provider Scheduling Program for VA
Enables real-time viewing of community care provider schedules
Aims to reduce time from referral to appointment scheduling
Must be deployed to all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025
Supports Veterans Community Care Program efficiency
Improves coordination between VA and private healthcare providers

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill addresses a significant pain point for veterans seeking care through the Community Care Program—long waits for appointment scheduling. Real-time schedule visibility would allow VA staff to book appointments immediately rather than through lengthy phone or fax coordination. If implemented successfully, veterans could see faster access to care, reduced administrative burden on VA staff, and better utilization of community provider networks.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Computers and information technology

Congressional oversight

Health care coverage and access

Health programs administration and funding

Public contracts and procurement

Veterans' medical care

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

654, 119th Congress (2025). "A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-654