A HOUSE RESOLUTION urging congress to ensure full implementation of the va MISSION ACT OF 2018.
Whereas, the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018 passed with large bipartisan support and was signed into law on June 6, 2018; and
Whereas, the VA MISSION Act requires an overhaul and modernization of the VA health care system, and when properly implemented, will preserve the beneficial aspects of the VA health care system while providing veterans increased health care options; and
Whereas, some of the highlights of the VA MISSION Act include:
(1)	Consolidating VA's seven community care programs, making community care work better for veterans, community health care providers, and VA staff. This provision will also update the payment processes within the VA to ensure more timely payment of community providers, increase certainty for veterans by authorizing a permanent community care program to replace the current temporary and flawed VA Choice program, and clear eligibility standards to access community care, if the VA does not offer the care or services the veteran needs.
(2)	Expanding eligibility for the VA Family Caregiver Program to veterans from all eras of service seriously injured while serving in the military, rather than only those serving since September 11, 2001.
(3)	Strengthening the VA's workforce by allowing the VA to recruit and retain the best medical providers. This provision will allow the removal of barriers for VA health care professionals to practice telemedicine and such possibilities as the establishment of mobile deployment teams for underserved and rural facilities to provide specialized and routine health care. This provision will also allow the VA to partner with State veterans homes, including the four operated by the State of North Carolina that serve over 400 North Carolina veterans, by entering into provider agreements that are not subject to federal contracting regulations.
(4)	Strengthening the VA's ability to manage its real property portfolio and build a high‑performing, integrated health care system; and
Whereas, the Department of Veterans Affairs has until June 6, 2019, to implement major components of the law, including the new veterans community care program in a manner consistent with the letter and spirit in which the VA MISSION Act was written; and
Whereas, as "The Veteran‑Friendly State," North Carolina is home to more than 778,000 veterans, who deserve to be supported in all aspects of their lives; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina House of Representatives urges Congress to ensure full implementation of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 so that the veterans in this country can have access to excellent health care.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution in any format deemed appropriate to the members of North Carolina's congressional delegation.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.