SCHEDULES Act of 2024

The SCHEDULES Act of 2024 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish specific timeframes for scheduling appointments after a veteran is referred for care: 3 business days for VA facility appointments and 7 calendar days for community care. It directly affects veterans seeking VA care by setting measurable standards for timely access to services. The bill mandates quarterly reports to Congress detailing how many referrals meet these standards, broken down by facility, care specialty (like mental health or cardiology), and state, with all data made publicly available online. These reports must also include annual progress updates on VA efforts to meet the scheduling goals. The law focuses on creating transparency and accountability in VA scheduling processes without altering benefits or funding.