October 19, 2001

House Panel Approves Boost in VA Specialty Services; Establishment of Chiropractic Services

The House Veterans Affairs Committee Oct. 10 approved legislation (H.R. 2792) that would, among other provisions, expand specialty health care services at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and establish a chiropractic service program. Specifically, the "Disabled Veterans Service Dog and Health Care Improvement Act of 2001" would "establish a chiropractic services program, beginning at 30 VA medical centers next year, and adding at least an additional 30 each year until all are included within 5 years." H.R. 2792 also requires "the VA to maintain sufficient capacity in all VA specialized medical programs by requiring each regional network (VISN) to maintain a proportional share of national capacity." The bill currently awaits House floor action.

Information: Jonathan Fishburn, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.