Chapter 73, Subchapter I, Section 7309A, Subsection (c) · 38 U.S.C. Chapter 73 — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION—ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS

Contents

(c)

(1)The function of the Office is to carry out the Patient Advocacy Program of the Department.

(2)In carrying out the Patient Advocacy Program of the Department, the Director shall ensure that patient advocates of the Department—

(A)advocate on behalf of veterans with respect to health care received and sought by veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary;

(B)carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (d); and

(C)receive training in patient advocacy.

(3)Beginning not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Director shall establish an information technology system that will allow a veteran (or the designated representative of a veteran) to electronically—

(A)file a complaint that will be received by the appropriate patient advocate; and

(B)at any time view the status of the complaint, including interim and final actions that have been taken to address the complaint.

United States Government work; public domain under 17 U.S.C. § 105.

Defined terms · 16

Show every defined term

appropriate committees of Congress
means—
appropriate congressional committees
has the meaning given that term in section 7310A(h) of this title.
burn pit
means an area of land that—
contractor
includes subcontractors of any tier under a contract containing an indemnification provision pursuant to subsection (a).
controlled substance
has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).
education
includes education and training and means the following:
epilepsy center of excellence
means a health care facility that has (or in the foreseeable future can develop) the necessary capacity to function as a center of excellence in research, education, and clinical care activities in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and has (or may reasonably be anticipated to develop) each of the following:
facility of the Department
has the meaning given the term “facilities of the Department” in section 1701(3) of this title.
gender-specific services
means mammography, obstetric care, gynecological care, and such other services as the Secretary determines appropriate.
health care employee of the Administration
means a physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, optometrist, nurse, physician assistant, expanded-function dental auxiliary, pharmacist, or paramedical (such as medical and dental technicians, nursing assistants, and therapists), or other supporting personnel.
mammogram
has the meaning given such term in paragraph (5) of section 354(a) of the Public Health Service Act.
medical research
means medical research described in section 7303(a)(2) of this title.
preventive health services
has the meaning given such term in section 1701(9) of this title.
representative
means an individual, organization, or other body authorized under section 7331 of this title and its implementing regulations to give informed consent on behalf of a patient who lacks decision-making capacity.
Vet Center
has the meaning given the term in section 1712A(h)(1) of this title.
Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system
means the resource allocation system established pursuant to section 429 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104–204;