AHCA has endorsed the bipartisan
State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act (S. 3532), which would streamline redundant inspection requirements for State Veterans Homes (SVHs) nationwide. This important legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. It is also anticipated that a House companion bill will be introduced in the near future.
Under current law, all 175 SVHs must undergo an annual inspection survey by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a comprehensive assessment of clinical care practice, life safety protocols, facility conditions, and other standards required for certification, including a financial audit to ensure VA grant funds are spent appropriately. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conducts a nearly identical annual inspection of only those SVHs serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill would allow SVHs to forgo the duplicative CMS survey if they have met all the requirements of the annual VA survey.
Both the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs are also strong supporters of the bill. AHCA will keep its members updated about any relevant updates on potential bill progress.