1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “VA Expanded Care Hours Act” or the “ECHO Act”.
VA Expanded Care Hours Act
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct studies on alternative work schedules for employees of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other matters.
2. Studies on alternative work schedules for employees of Veterans Health Administration
Study of veterans—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the attitudes of eligible veterans toward the Department of Veterans Affairs offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department, including through the use of telehealth appointments.
Eligible veteran defined— In this subsection, the term eligible veteran means a veteran who—
is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; and
received health care from the Department at least once during the two-year period ending on the date of the commencement of the study under paragraph (1).
Department study—
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department.
Study of employees— The study required by paragraph (1) shall include a study of the opinions of employees of the Veterans Health Administration, including clinical, nonclinical, and support staff, with respect to offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department, including through the use of telehealth appointments.