Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act”.
Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act
AN ACT
To extend the authorization for the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, to make certain improvements in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Extension of authorization for major medical facility construction project previously authorized
In general— The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, in fiscal year 2015, in an amount not to exceed $900,000,000.
Limitation on obligation of funds— Notwithstanding section 8104(c) of title 38, United States Code, or any other provision of law, funds may not be obligated or expended for the project described in subsection (a) in an amount that would cause the total amount obligated for that project to exceed the amount specified in the law for that project (or would add to total obligations exceeding such specified amount).
Sec. 3 Clarification of distance requirement for expanded availability of hospital care and medical services for veterans through the use of agreements with non-Department of Veterans Affairs entities
In general— Section 101(b)(2) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended—
in subparagraph (B), by inserting “(as calculated based on distance traveled)” after “40 miles”; and
in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking subclause (II), and inserting the following new subclause (II):
“(II) faces an unusual or excessive burden in traveling to such a medical facility of the Department based on—
“(aa) geographical challenges;
“(bb) environmental factors, such as roads that are not accessible to the general public, traffic, or hazardous weather;
“(cc) a medical condition that impacts the ability to travel; or
“(dd) other factors, as determined by the Secretary.”
Effective date— The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and apply with respect to care or services provided on or after such date.