Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, September 21, 2000

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2000 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 CONTACT: Jill Homan September 21, 2000 Congressman Bob Ehrlich Improves Health Care For Veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (MD-2) voted today to improve the quality and availability of health care for America’s veterans. The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 5109, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Act of 2000. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “Veterans need and deserve quality healthcare that is reliable. I am pleased Congress is giving a major boost to the VA healthcare system so America can fulfill its obligation to those who so loyally served their nation.” The veterans’ legislation tackles the growing problem at the Department of Veterans Affairs of recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. The bill: • Gives VA nurses the same annual increase other federal employees receive; • Refines the way VA officials survey local salaries and provides for greater nurse participation in decision making at VA facilities; • Revises and increases the rates of special pay for VA dentists and includes pharmacists among those whose occupations are exempt from a statutory cap on special salary rates; • Provides veterans undergoing treatment and others accompanying them with temporary lodging on or near campuses of VA hospitals; • Requires VA clinicians to initially identify and document pertinent military experiences and exposures that may affect the health status of patients being evaluated; and • Addresses the post traumatic stress study provisions by authorizing a follow-up study of the health of those affected by this disorder. ###