Sets uniform drive-time and wait-time standards for when the VA must offer veterans community care, requires written notice of eligibility and of any denial, and adds mental health residential treatment screening, admission, and appeal deadlines.

• Requires the VA to offer community care when it cannot schedule primary, mental health, or extended care within 30 minutes' average drive and 20 days, or specialty care within 60 minutes and 28 days, unless the veteran agrees to a longer wait.
• Requires the VA to notify veterans in writing within two business days of their eligibility for community care and of any denial, including the reason and how to appeal.
• Requires the VA to screen veterans for mental health residential treatment within 48 hours of a request and admit eligible priority veterans within 48 hours of that determination, with a 72-hour deadline to decide appeals.
• Requires a three-year pilot program in at least five locations letting veterans access outpatient mental health and substance use care without referral or pre-authorization.

• Veterans' Affairs Committee (Senate)

Armed Forces and National Security