Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Publishes Interim Final Rule Confirming Practice Across State Lines for VA Health-Care Professionals

In mid-November, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released an interim final rule allowing VA health-care professionals to practice across state lines beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency; as long as it is in accordance with the scope and requirements of their VA employment, regardless of state licensing requirements.

Within the interim final rule, the VA explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted their need to exercise their statutory authority to allow VA health-care professionals to practice across state lines. Specifically regarding telehealth, the VA points out how they have leveraged video visits to deliver safe, quality health care to adhere to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) physical distancing guidelines, and have experienced a 1,478 percent increase in utilization of this service since February 2020.

Beyond the pandemic, the VA believes the rule will allow them to continue to mobilize resources efficiently to meet the demands of its beneficiaries and optimize its workforce year-round.