To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on the use of medical scribes in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.
Veterans Affairs Medical Scribe Pilot Act of 2017
(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program under which it shall increase the use of medical scribes at VA medical centers.
The bill defines "medical scribe" as an unlicensed individual hired to enter information into the electronic health record or chart at the direction of a physician or licensed independent practitioner whose responsibilities include:
The VA shall carry out the program at four VA medical centers located in rural areas, four located in urban areas, and two located in areas with need for increased access or increased efficiency.
The VA shall: (1) hire 20 new VA term employees as medical scribes and seek to enter into contracts for the employment of 20 additional scribes, (2) assign four scribes to each VA medical center where the program is conducted, (3) assign two scribes to each of two physicians, (4) employ 30% of the scribes in the provision of emergency care, and (5) employ 70% of the scribes in the provision of care in specialties with the longest patient wait times or lowest efficiency ratings.
(Sec. 3) The bill replaces a provision authorizing the VA to furnish tobacco to veterans receiving hospital or domiciliary care with provisions prohibiting any person from smoking: (1) indoors in any Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility, (2) indoors in a VHA community living center on or after December 31, 2018, and (3) outdoors at any VHA facility on or after October 1, 2021.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7178)
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 516.
Became Public Law No: 115-182.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-151.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-151.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 99.
Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6173-6174)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1848.
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At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Walz objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6198-6199)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6173-6174)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6173-6174)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.