[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 236 (Tuesday, December 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 64722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-32106]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 17

RIN 2900-AI60


Guidelines for Furnishing Sensori-neural Aids (e.g., Eyeglasses, 
Contact Lenses, Hearing Aids)

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document affirms the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
medical regulations concerning when VA will furnish veterans with 
sensori-neural aids (e.g., eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids), 
which implement a requirement imposed in the Veteran's Health Care 
Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-262.

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective December 9, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Downs, Jr., Chief 
Consultant, Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service Strategic Healthcare 
Group (113), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20420, telephone (202) 273-8515.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 3, 1997, VA published in the Federal 
Register an interim final rule with request for comments (62 FR 30240). 
This added a new section (17.149, 38 CFR part 17). A 60-day comment 
period ended August 4, 1997, and one comment was received. However, 
that comment dealt with resources rather than substantive content of 
the interim final rule.
    Based on the rationale set forth in the interim final rule 
document, we are adopting the provisions of the interim final rule as a 
final rule without change. This final rule also affirms the information 
in the interim final rule document concerning the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.

    Approved: December 1, 1997.
Hershel W. Gober,
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 97-32106 Filed 12-8-97; 8:45 am]
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