Revision of certain requirements for the pilot program of enhanced contract care authority for health care needs of veterans in highly rural areas

Subsection (b) of section 403 of the Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) is amended to read as follows:

(b)

Covered veterans

For purposes of the pilot program under this section, a covered veteran is any veteran who— (1)is— (A)enrolled in the system of patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, as of the date of the commencement of the pilot program under subsection (a)(2); or (B)eligible for health care under section 1710(e)(3)(C) of title 38, United States Code; and (2)resides in a location that is— (A)more than 60 minutes’ driving distance, as determined by the Secretary, from the nearest Department health care facility providing primary care services, in the case of a veteran seeking such services; (B)more than 120 minutes’ driving distance, as determined by the Secretary, from the nearest Department health care facility providing acute hospital care, in the case of a veteran seeking such care; and (C)more than 240 minutes’ driving distance, as determined by the Secretary, from the nearest Department health care facility providing tertiary care, in the case of a veteran seeking such care.