e-News from NOVA!

The web-based current issues brought to you from NOVA now have a new look!
Previously called Hot News, this NOVA sponsored feature has transitioned to a monthly synopsis of issues of significance to VA Nurses and the Veterans we serve.
Since we use the electronic medium to gather and disseminate the information we have named this monthly web-based letter -- e-News from NOVA.
NOVA will also alert you to breaking legislative initiatives affecting VA Nurses and the Veterans we serve by publishing Special Edition e-News from NOVA as events unfold.

Legislative Issues:
House Veterans Affairs Committee evaluates VA infrastructure and construction projects – May 11, 2006 (Source: House Committee Press Release)

The full committee held a hearing to assess the VA’s major construction projects and leases as well as the process by which their projects are chosen and executed. Collaboration efforts between medical universities and VA hospitals were also discussed in regards to new national construction efforts. Committee members heard testimony from Congressmen Richard H. Baker (R-La.), Charlie Melancon (R-La.) and Tom Feeney (R-Fla.) on their district, as well as state-wide interests in constructing new facilities. The committee heard testimony from The American Legion and Independent Budget (IB) on collaboration efforts between medical universities and VA hospitals as new construction projects and renovations are being considered. The Legion and IB said they agree with the committee, that collaboration efforts are a useful tool to mitigate costs and share medical advancements. They did, however, express concern that the VA could lose its unique veteran identity. Chairman Buyer states:

VA has not built a new hospital in nearly 15 years. VA needs to restore the institutional knowledge on constructing new facilities that has been lost over this period. New models for facility financing and construction must be created. These models should consider the advantages of existing and potential collaborative relationships with neighboring medical universities, research partners and other private or public entities.

Dr. Kussman, Deputy Under Secretary for Health testifies at U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Hearing: “Healthcare Legislative Initiatives Currently Pending before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Source: Senate Committee Hearings)

Dr. Kussman presented the Departments’ position on several pending legislative initiatives including opposition to the following bills:

S.2433 establish separate organizational structures for rural VA health centers,
S.1537 establish research centers for MS and Parkinsons Disease
S.2500 prohibit VA from changing processing of PTSD ratings
S.2736 establishing at least five centers of excellence for rehabilitation services for veterans with amputations and prosthetics

The Department supports S.2634 which would remove the 4-Year term statutory limit on appointment of the Undersecretaries for Health and Benefits.

To read Dr.Kussman’s complete testimony as well others testifying at this hearing go to:
http://veterans.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.CurrentHearings&rID=620&hID=202

REMEMBER: Sign up to run/walk for the NOVA team in the MARINE CORPS MARATHON – To learn more go to: http://www.vanurse.org/marathon.html