More veterans — particularly those who live far away from Department of Veterans Affairs treatment facilities — should gain better access to the health care they deserve. The agency announced May 11 that its providers now can reach out to patients across state lines to provide care using virtual technology, commonly known as telehealth.
The change clarifies confusion regarding regulatory restrictions and state statutes that otherwise prohibited such remote telehealth services. From now on, the new federal guideline would supersede any such state laws or restrictions.
VA providers and veterans’ advocates alike hope the change would help provide qu
icker and more effective delivery of services to veterans who need mental health care or are potential suicide victims.
In making the announcement of the change, VA also introduced a new app called VA Video Connect — expressly created to provide a video link between patients and care givers.