Statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., On Formation of A New Drug Shortages Task Force and FDA’s Efforts to Advance Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Shortages
Jul 12, 2018 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the formation of a Drug Shortages Task Force to delve into the causes for prescription drug shortages as well as looking into potential solutions. This task force will include senior leaders from the FDA as well as from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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Commissioner Carr Announces $100 Million ‘Connected Care Pilot Program’
Jul 11, 2018 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that they will seek to establish a new $100 million "Connected Care Pilot Program" to support telehealth for low-income Americans, especially veterans and those living in rural areas. Investments in chronic care have resulted in substantial savings, particularly in the management of chronic diseases.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
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VA: Notice of Request for Information Regarding Health Care Access Standards Federal Register
Jun 29, 2018 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking public comment on the establishment of access standards for furnishing hospital care, medical services, and extended care services to covered veterans through the Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act. Among information being requested from the public are whether standards for appointment wait times exist, the use of travel distance for establishing service areas, and the development of guidelines to refer patients to out of system providers. Comments are accepted through July 30, 2018.
Source: Federal Register
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VA Releases National Suicide Data Report
Jun 18, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released it's most recent analysis of veteran suicide data. The report, the VA National Suicide Data Report 2005-2015, found that suicide rates are increasing for veterans, but that this rate is increasing faster among veterans who have not recently accessed healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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VA Commits $17 Million to Expand Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
Jun 7, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is investing $17 million in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Programs in VA facilities nationwide. This program works on understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma in order to end violence, prevent further violence, and promote healthy relationships.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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VA: Case Management Services Grant Program: Rule Federal Register
Jun 5, 2018 - Final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs amending regulations to implement a new statutory requirement to establish a new grant program to provide case management services to improve the retention of housing by veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and to veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. Comments on the final rule must be received by August 6, 2018.
Source: Federal Register
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VA: Fund Availability Under the Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas Federal Register
Jun 5, 2018 - Announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs that grant renewal funds are available for the Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas program. Funds are designed to support innovative approaches to transportation of veterans in highly rural areas to VA medical centers for healthcare appointments. Applications are due by July 30, 2018.
Source: Federal Register
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President Trump’s Executive Order Supporting Mental Health Care for Transitioning Service Members Now Underway
May 31, 2018 - In January 2018, President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate to provide improved access to mental healthcare and suicide resources to veterans with a focus on the first year following military service. The VA has announced that the White House has approved an interagency plan to implement this directive.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
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Senate Passes Udall, Tester, Hoeven, Isakson Bill to Combat Native American Veteran Homelessness
May 24, 2018 - Announces the Senate passage of the Tribal HUD-VASH Act, which authorizes a joint tribal veterans housing initiative between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, which provides rental and housing assistance to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This initiative allows tribes and tribal housing authorities to access veterans housing funds for Native American veterans.
Source: United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
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HUD: Implementation of the Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program Federal Register
May 22, 2018 - The Department of Housing and Urban Development is consolidating previous notices about the Tribal HUD-VASH program requirements into one notice. This program provides rental assistance and supportive services to Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless living on or near a reservation. This notice supersedes the previous notices and establishes procedures for issuing renewal funding, subject to the availability of future appropriations.
Source: Federal Register
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