Veterans Health Administration Management Improvement Act

Bill: 113-hr-5618
Sponsor: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Introduced: 2014-09-18 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Executive agency funding and structure
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health information and medical records
Performance measurement
Public contracts and procurement
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: 
Veterans Health Administration Management Improvement Act - Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) conduct a five-year management review of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (2) submit annual reports to Congress on the matters reviewed, including recommendations for improving the VHA's management.
 
Directs the Secretary of the VA to establish a five-year pilot program to improve the VHA's management and accountability that:
 
 
 gives VHA employees an opportunity to learn, implement, and identify successful means of advancing the VHA's management and the delivery of care and services; and 
 
 improves the management and delivery of care and services at VA medical facilities by implementing the GAO's recommendations, and any other appropriate recommendations, regarding the VHA's planning and evaluation capabilities.
 
 
Requires the Secretary, during such pilot program, to: (1) establish an annual performance plan that uses logic modeling and risk assessment to coordinate the VA's operations with its goals; and (2) prepare an annual organization evaluation plan for the VHA that is informed by the GAO's recommendations.
 
Establishes an Office of the Management and Accountability Ombudsman within the VA to: 
 
 
 assist the Secretary in conducting the pilot program; 
 
conduct inspections of VHA medical facilities, including non-VA facilities that provide VA contract care; and
 
work with the Secretary and VHA employees in identifying and resolving problems with the VHA's management, administration, and delivery of care.
 
 
Directs the GAO to review each budget the President submits to Congress during 2015-2020 to evaluate the proposed budget for VA health care.
 
Establishes a Veterans' Bill of Rights regarding health care, which is to be prominently displayed in each VA medical facility and about which the Secretary shall conduct outreach to veterans and ensure that VA employees receive training.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-10-28
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Introduced in House