I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1298 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 31, 2011 Mr. LoBiondo (for himself, Mr. Runyan, Mr. Andrews, and Mr. Smith of New Jersey) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs A BILL To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct cost-benefit analyses for the provision of medical care by the Department of Veterans Affairs in certain geographic areas served by multiple Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans’ Efficiencies Through Savings Act of 2011 or the VETS Act of 2011.

2.

Cost-benefit analyses required for certain geographic areas served by multiple Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities

(a)

Cost-Benefit analysis required

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the provision of medical care by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the following geographic areas: (1)Any 75 square mile area where three or more Department outpatient clinics are located. (2)Any 100 square mile area where two or more Department hospitals are located. (b)

Contents of analysis

In conducting a cost-benefit analysis under subsection (a)— (1)for any area described in paragraph (1) of such subsection, the Secretary shall determine whether the benefits of operating all three clinics in the area outweigh the benefits of replacing such clinics with one comprehensive outpatient clinic; (2)the Secretary shall consider the benefits of constructing a new Department hospital to serve veterans residing in the area and the benefits of entering into an agreement with a non-Department hospital for the provision of dedicated space within the hospital to provide in-patient hospital care to veterans residing in the area; and (3)the Secretary shall evaluate any agreements entered into with non-Department medical care providers to provide medical care to veterans residing in an area served by one or more of the outpatient clinics or hospitals located in the area for which the analysis is conducted to determine whether to enter into such an agreement with any additional providers. (c)

Report to Congress

Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on any cost-benefit analysis conducted under this section.