Only the right has signed this so far (Bill Ranking)
H.R. 3951 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)
3 members · Left 0 · Center 2 · Right 1 (Bill Ranking)
| Sponsor | Rep. Ciscomani, Juan (R-AZ) (Introduced 06/12/2025) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Voting Record | Lean right · DW-NOMINATE +0.30 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking) |
| Support |
LLLCLRR support across the spectrum: 3 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once |
| Committees | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee |
| Latest Action | 09/16/2025 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. |
| Roll Call Votes | There have been no roll call votes |
| Source | view on congress.gov → |
Introduced in House (06/12/2025)
Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
This bill extends and expands the pilot program under which certain non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals may be contracted to provide disability examinations to veterans, regardless of the jurisdiction of their licensure, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care. Specifically, the bill (1) expands the types of health care professionals who may provide such examinations, and (2) extends the authority for such professionals to be contracted for this purpose through January 5, 2031.
Currently, such examinations may only be contracted to licensed non-VA physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, or psychologists. The bill expands the list to include qualified health care professionals who are eligible for appointment to specified positions in the Veterans Health Administration, including hospital or clinic directors, dentists, and pharmacists.
The VA must report on its use of the expanded authority under this bill.
119 HR 3951 EH: Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS1st Session H. R. 3951
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025.
2.Improvements to temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (a)ExpansionSection 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as amended by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), is further amended, subject to the sunset in paragraph (4) of such subsection, by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (c) and inserting the following: (2)Health care professional describedA health care professional described in this paragraph is a person who is eligible for appointment to a position in the Veterans Health Administration covered by section 7402(b) of title 38, United States Code, who— (A)has a current and unrestricted license to practice the health care profession of the health care professional; (B)is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any State; and (C)is performing authorized duties for the Department pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection (a).. (b)Delayed sunset of amendmentParagraph (4) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking On the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting On September 30, 2031. (c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (2) of such subsection is amended by striking physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists and inserting health care professionals. (d)ReportNot later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the use of the authority under section 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as temporarily amended by section 2002(a)(1) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) and this section. Such report shall include, with respect to the one-year period after the date of the enactment of this Act, the following elements: (1)The number of examinations conducted pursuant to a contract under such authority. (2)The cost, timeliness, and legal adequacy of such examinations, disaggregated by— (A)health care professional; and (B)contract. (3)The number of such examinations conducted in each State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States. (4)The numbers of each kind of health care professionals who conducted such examinations. (5)The number of examinations that were erroneously conducted by a health care professional— (A)without such a contract; or (B)unauthorized to enter into such a contract. (6)The plan of the Secretary to correct errors in the use of such authority. Passed the House of Representatives September 15, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 3951 IH: Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-06-12 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS1st Session H. R. 3951
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 12, 2025 Mr. Ciscomani (for himself, Ms. Perez, and Mr. Davis of North Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
A BILL To amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025.
2.Improvements to temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (a)ExpansionSection 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as amended by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), is further amended, subject to the sunset in paragraph (4) of such subsection, by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (c) and inserting the following: (2)Health care professional describedA health care professional described in this paragraph is a person who is eligible for appointment to a position in the Veterans Health Administration covered by section 7402(b) of title 38, United States Code, who— (A)has a current and unrestricted license to practice the health care profession of the health care professional; (B)is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any State; and (C)is performing authorized duties for the Department pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection (a).. (b)Delayed sunset of amendmentParagraph (4) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking On the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting On January 5, 2031. (c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (2) of such subsection is amended by striking physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists and inserting health care professionals. (d)ReportNot later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the use of the authority under section 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as temporarily amended by section 2002(a)(1) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) and this section. Such report shall include, with respect to the one-year period after the date of the enactment of this Act, the following elements: (1)The number of examinations conducted pursuant to a contract under such authority. (2)The cost, timeliness, and legal adequacy of such examinations, disaggregated by— (A)health care professional; and (B)contract. (3)The number of such examinations conducted in each State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States. (4)The numbers of each kind of health care professionals who conducted such examinations. (5)The number of examinations that were erroneously conducted by a health care professional— (A)without such a contract; or (B)unauthorized to enter into such a contract. (6)The plan of the Secretary to correct errors in the use of such authority.
116 HR 3951 : Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-09-16 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3951IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 16, 2025Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsAN ACTTo amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025.2.Improvements to temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs(a)ExpansionSection 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as amended by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), is further amended, subject to the sunset in paragraph (4) of such subsection, by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (c) and inserting the following:(2)Health care professional describedA health care professional described in this paragraph is a person who is eligible for appointment to a position in the Veterans Health Administration covered by section 7402(b) of title 38, United States Code, who—(A)has a current and unrestricted license to practice the health care profession of the health care professional;(B)is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any State; and(C)is performing authorized duties for the Department pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection (a)..(b)Delayed sunset of amendmentParagraph (4) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking On the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting On September 30, 2031.(c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (2) of such subsection is amended by striking physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists and inserting health care professionals.(d)ReportNot later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the use of the authority under section 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as temporarily amended by section 2002(a)(1) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) and this section. Such report shall include, with respect to the one-year period after the date of the enactment of this Act, the following elements:(1)The number of examinations conducted pursuant to a contract under such authority.(2)The cost, timeliness, and legal adequacy of such examinations, disaggregated by—(A)health care professional; and(B)contract.(3)The number of such examinations conducted in each State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.(4)The numbers of each kind of health care professionals who conducted such examinations.(5)The number of examinations that were erroneously conducted by a health care professional—(A)without such a contract; or(B)unauthorized to enter into such a contract.(6)The plan of the Secretary to correct errors in the use of such authority.Passed the House of Representatives September 15, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
116 HR 3951 RH: Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-09-09 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 215119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3951[Report No. 119–259]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 12, 2025Mr. Ciscomani (for himself, Ms. Perez, and Mr. Davis of North Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsSeptember 9, 2025Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printedA BILLTo amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025.2.Improvements to temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs(a)ExpansionSection 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as amended by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), is further amended, subject to the sunset in paragraph (4) of such subsection, by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (c) and inserting the following:(2)Health care professional describedA health care professional described in this paragraph is a person who is eligible for appointment to a position in the Veterans Health Administration covered by section 7402(b) of title 38, United States Code, who—(A)has a current and unrestricted license to practice the health care profession of the health care professional;(B)is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any State; and(C)is performing authorized duties for the Department pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection (a)..(b)Delayed sunset of amendmentParagraph (4) of subsection (a) of section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking On the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting On January 5, 2031.(c)Conforming amendmentParagraph (2) of such subsection is amended by striking physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists and inserting health care professionals.(d)ReportNot later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the use of the authority under section 504 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as temporarily amended by section 2002(a)(1) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) and this section. Such report shall include, with respect to the one-year period after the date of the enactment of this Act, the following elements:(1)The number of examinations conducted pursuant to a contract under such authority.(2)The cost, timeliness, and legal adequacy of such examinations, disaggregated by—(A)health care professional; and(B)contract.(3)The number of such examinations conducted in each State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.(4)The numbers of each kind of health care professionals who conducted such examinations.(5)The number of examinations that were erroneously conducted by a health care professional—(A)without such a contract; or(B)unauthorized to enter into such a contract.(6)The plan of the Secretary to correct errors in the use of such authority.September 9, 2025Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.
| Date | Chamber | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 06/12/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 06/12/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 06/12/2025 | House floor actions | Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. |
| 06/23/2025 | House committee actions | Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. |
| 06/24/2025 | House committee actions | Subcommittee Hearings Held |
| 07/03/2025 | House committee actions | Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged |
| 07/23/2025 | House committee actions | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| 07/23/2025 | House committee actions | Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote. |
| 09/09/2025 | Library of Congress | Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259. |
| 09/09/2025 | House floor actions | Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-259. |
| 09/09/2025 | House floor actions | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215. |
| 09/15/2025 | House floor actions | Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 09/15/2025 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4289) |
| 09/15/2025 | House floor actions | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3951. |
| 09/15/2025 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4289: 1) |
| 09/15/2025 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4289) |
| 09/15/2025 | House floor actions | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 09/16/2025 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. |
| Title Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text | To amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. |
| Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text | Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 |
| Short Title(s) as Passed House | Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 |
| Short Title(s) as Reported to House | Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 |
| Display Title | Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 |
| Short Title(s) as Introduced | Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025 |
| Official Title as Introduced | To amend the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. |
There are no amendments to this bill.
* = Original cosponsor
| Committee | Activity |
|---|---|
| Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 09/16/2025 Referred To |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 09/09/2025 Reported By |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 07/23/2025 Markup By |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 07/03/2025 Discharged from |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 06/12/2025 Referred To |
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
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