Public Law 114–19: To extend the authorization for the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, to make certain improvements in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes.Public Law19Public Law 114–19129 Stat. 2152015-05-222015-05-22United States Government Publishing OfficeNational Archives and Records AdministrationOffice of the Federal Registertext/xmlENPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.GPO Locator to USLM Converter 4.15.31;Stage2.202507022026-01-03114publicPUBLIC LAW 114–19—MAY 22, 2015129 STAT. 215Public Law114–19114th CongressAn ActTo extend the authorization for the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, to make certain improvements in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes.
May 22, 2015
[H.R. 2496]
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act.
38 USC 101 note.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act”.SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED.(a) In General.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, in fiscal year 2015, in an amount not to exceed $900,000,000.(b) Limitation on Obligation of Funds.—Notwithstanding section 8104(c) of title 38, United States Code, or any other provision of law, funds may not be obligated or expended for the project described in subsection (a) in an amount that would cause the total amount obligated for that project to exceed the amount specified in the law for that project (or would add to total obligations exceeding such specified amount).SEC. 3. CLARIFICATION OF DISTANCE REQUIREMENT FOR EXPANDED AVAILABILITY OF HOSPITAL CARE AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE USE OF AGREEMENTS WITH NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ENTITIES.(a) In General.—Section 101(b)(2) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended—(1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “(as calculated based on distance traveled)” after “40 miles”; and(2) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking subclause (II), and inserting the following new subclause (II):“(II) faces an unusual or excessive burden in traveling to such a medical facility of the Department based on—“(aa) geographical challenges;“(bb) environmental factors, such as roads that are not accessible to the general public, traffic, or hazardous weather;129 STAT. 216“(cc) a medical condition that impacts the ability to travel; or“(dd) other factors, as determined by the Secretary.”.(b)
38 USC 1701 note.
Effective Date.—The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and apply with respect to care or services provided on or after such date.ApprovedMay 22, 2015.LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 2496:CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 161 (2015):