Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has introduced the Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance (CARING) for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025, which is cosponsored by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ). The bill aims to improve the tracking of medical documentation for veterans receiving care from community providers.
Approximately 75% of veterans reportedly return to medical centers for additional care after receiving services arranged through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation addresses concerns about the exchange of medical documentation between providers.
The challenge involves community providers using different systems, which can complicate data exchange and lead to missing documents.
The bill addresses concerns that the Office of Integrated Veteran Care within the Veterans Health Administration needs improved tracking methods and performance standards.
VA Support
"I promised my fellow veterans that I would continue to look for every opportunity to improve their access to the healthcare they so rightly deserve," Hamadeh expressed. "The expansion of community care has been a blessing, and as increasing numbers of veterans are able to access it, sharing information in a timely manner will facilitate that care."
Hamadeh indicated that the bill aims to improve the delivery of veteran care by ensuring providers have access to complete and current records.
"Veterans deserve a system that works for them — not one that leaves them waiting on paperwork or caught between providers," Ciscomani stated. He noted the issue's relevance to his sixth district constituents and expressed support for measures to improve the quality of care for veterans.
"I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to strengthen accountability at the VA and deliver the care our veterans have earned," Ciscomani concluded.
The legislation seeks to improve communication and information sharing regarding veterans' care.
A companion bill was introduced in July by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME). The Senate bill provided a foundation for the Arizona congressmen to introduce the House version of the legislation. The Senate bill is scheduled for a hearing by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee this week.
