U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., unveiled legislation June 12 that aims to authorize clinician trainees working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to perform telemedicine services, The Ripon Advance reports.
The 2018 VA Mission Act currently prohibits trainees, including interns, residents, fellows and graduate students, from using the telemedicine system.
Mr. Carter's bill calls for extending access of the VA's telemedicine system to health professional trainees who meet training program requirements and are supervised by an authorized VA staff member.
"Increasing the use of telehealth at VA health centers is critical to ensure veterans are able to receive the care they need no matter where they live," Mr. Carter said, according to the publication.
The bill, which has seven cosponsors, is awaiting consideration by the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Committee.