Bob Filner: “I rise today in support of H.R. 5145, the Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act. Many key health care professionals…”

“I rise today in support of H.R. 5145, the Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act. Many key health care professionals require continuing professional education in order to maintain their licensure. Such education can be costly, and the VA has long reimbursed up to $1,000 annually to physicians and dentists. This reimbursement program has been an important part of the VA's efforts to recruit and to retain high-quality health care personnel. Moreover, it ensures that the VA employees are well-informed and knowledgeable about advances or new information in their chosen fields. However, since its inception, this program has only been open to physicians and dentists. It unfairly excludes many key health care providers who face similar licensing requirements. This act would correct this inequity by expanding the program to such key health care personnel as nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists. This legislation would recognize that the maximum reimbursement rate of $1,000 is outdated, its having been unchanged for nearly two decades.”