SCHEDULES Act of 2026

The SCHEDULES Act of 2026 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to set a standard for how quickly veterans receive appointments after being referred for care, whether at a VA facility or through community providers. The VA must publish this standard in the Federal Register and on its website at least 30 days before implementing or changing it. The bill mandates quarterly reports to Congress detailing how many referrals meet the standard, broken down by care type and facility, along with an annual ranking of medical centers from best to worst in meeting the timing requirement. These reports must also include data on steps taken to improve care timeliness and estimates for full compliance. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in scheduling appointments for veterans receiving care through the VA system.