Veteran Accountability and Quality of Care Act (VAQCA)

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To establish a comprehensive system within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that holds VA medical professionals accountable, improves the quality and effectiveness of care for all veterans, and prioritizes dedicated support for those with severe disabilities, including 100% Permanent and Total (PT) disability status.

  1. Accountability for Medical Malpractice and Negligence

A. Independent Oversight Body:

• Establish an independent Veteran Medical Oversight Board (VMOB) tasked with investigating complaints of malpractice, negligence, or substandard care within the VA system.

• This board would have the authority to issue warnings, demand corrective actions, and, if necessary, recommend disciplinary actions or termination for medical professionals found responsible for severe breaches of medical standards.

B. Reporting and Transparency Requirements:

• Require VA medical facilities to publish quarterly reports on patient complaints, malpractice incidents, and corrective actions taken, with specific attention to veteran care outcomes.

• Provide a publicly accessible database for veterans to track incidents and disciplinary actions within their VA medical facility.

C. Accountability Measures for VA Staff:

• Introduce a “Three Strikes” policy, where VA doctors and staff members who receive three substantiated complaints or malpractice cases within a given period are subject to immediate review by the VMOB.

• Implement mandatory annual performance reviews for VA doctors and healthcare professionals, with peer evaluations focusing on quality of care and treatment outcomes for veterans.

  1. Standardized Quality of Care for All Veterans

A. Universal Access to Consistent Care Standards:

• Mandate that all veterans, regardless of disability rating, receive standardized care. This includes timely access to primary care, specialist services, and mental health support as needed.

• Implement a Veteran-Centric Training Program for VA staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about veterans’ unique medical needs and the standards expected in their care.

B. Priority Care Program for 100% PT Disabled Veterans:

• Veterans with a 100% PT disability rating should be automatically enrolled in a Priority Care Program, which ensures same-day or next-day access to critical medical services.

• Dedicated care teams should be assigned to 100% PT veterans to provide consistent and personalized medical support, with scheduled check-ins and rapid response in case of emergencies.

C. Patient Advocacy Representatives:

• Place trained Patient Advocacy Representatives in every VA facility to assist veterans in navigating their healthcare options, resolving issues with medical providers, and providing real-time support for complaints or issues related to care.

• These advocates will report directly to the Veteran Medical Oversight Board, creating an additional layer of accountability.

  1. Improved and Dedicated Support for 100% PT Veterans

A. Comprehensive Health Monitoring Program:

• 100% PT veterans should receive mandatory health monitoring services, with regular follow-ups on their mental, physical, and emotional health.

• Establish a specialized “Severe Disability Care Unit” within each VA facility, staffed with professionals trained to handle complex cases for 100% PT veterans.

B. Streamlined Medical Claims and Appeals Process for 100% PT Veterans:

• Expedite medical claims and appeals processes specifically for veterans with 100% PT status. Implement a maximum 30-day response time for any appeals or requests related to their care.

C. Higher Compensation for Quality Care Providers for Disabled Veterans:

• To incentivize quality of care, provide increased compensation for VA doctors and staff who demonstrate exceptional performance in treating 100% PT veterans and other high-need cases, based on patient outcomes, peer reviews, and veteran satisfaction scores.

  1. Enhanced Training and Support for VA Medical Professionals

A. Mandatory Veteran-Specific Training:

• Require all VA healthcare providers to complete mandatory training in military culture, trauma-informed care, and the specific health risks and needs of veterans, with an emphasis on severe disability cases.

B. Professional Development and Support for VA Staff:

• Allocate funding for the continuing education and professional development of VA medical staff, focusing on the latest medical practices for treating service-connected disabilities and mental health issues.

• Provide mental health support and burnout prevention programs for VA staff to ensure they can deliver high-quality care consistently.

  1. Patient-Centered Care Incentive Program

A. Veteran Satisfaction Incentives:

• Introduce a bonus structure for VA medical staff based on veteran satisfaction surveys and positive health outcomes, focusing on accountability and encouraging high-quality care.

B. Performance-Based Evaluations for VA Facilities:

• Conduct annual performance evaluations for each VA facility based on patient outcomes, wait times, veteran feedback, and complaint resolution efficiency. High-performing facilities will receive additional funding, while those with poor outcomes will receive increased oversight and support for improvements.

Conclusion:

The Veteran Accountability and Quality of Care Act (VAQCA) would ensure that veterans receive consistent, high-quality medical care within the VA system. By holding VA doctors accountable, standardizing care, and offering dedicated support for severely disabled veterans, this policy aims to rebuild trust and enhance the effectiveness of veteran healthcare services.

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You know any improvement in our VA system is warranted. I am 100% disabled veteran and I can tell you terrible story’s about what has happened to me in the VA system. The latest is that I have had Parkinson’s for at least 3 years now, and it took a doctor that I found using my Medicare advantage plan to finally diagnose me. Now I am stuck paying for the medication, doctors visits , ect, until I get the VA to community care me out to these specialists, could be 6 months or so, maybe longer. I have spent over 3000 so far of my own money, and I am 100% service connected.Not fair. But if I had waited for the VA I would still be waiting for the to find me a movement specialist to diagnose the Parkinson’s. Over three years. Also I have an eye medical condition called Karataconis, I need Corina transplants, I am slowly going blind, and cannot get the VA to help.

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I think we need to add VA care homes for our Veterans as well. I do not belive they always have the best in interest for them atthese facilities.

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I’ve been trying for 3 years now to get treated for a chronic illness. The VA is slow slow with getting out referrals, NEVER follows through, loses track of appointments, and does not pay their staff enough.

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I was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis after months of unexplained diarrhea, the VA wanted to do this and that and when I went to the outside , paid out of pocket for a few tests, the VA refused those tests, I finally told my gastro Dr I didn’t trust him and wanted to be referred to an outside clinic, they did a colonoscopy and found the issue, mind you the VA refused to do a colonoscopy because I am under the age of 45. They refused to help me, and now it’s been 3 months waiting on them to approve treatment for a back issue a community care Dr ordered. They claim they need this and that and I email everything and then they go silent. It’s ridiculous the care we receive.

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The Va urologist I was assigned to said my prostrate problems were from my back. Not even examining me. Luckily I live 2.5 hours away so I can see other doctors for community care. So I went to another urologist outside the va and he took the time to diagnose me and I had surgery that greatly helped my daily life. The doctors at the VA don’t care about their patients. They just try to see as many as they can. I was having stomach problems and the va doctor had no idea. So I was sent to community care and saw a specialist and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. But now the Va won’t renew my consult to continue seeing him. They’ve tried over and over to get the va to open another consult, with no luck. Do my stomach constantly hurts and the va primary care can’t see me for 92 days! This need to be changed. The VA needs a huge overhaul!

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There has got to be major policy and procedures changes made in the veterans health administration call center standards.