ICYMI: We must expand telehealth for veterans

In case you missed it, I wrote an article in The Hill this week about the need to expand telehealth for veterans and legislation I introduced to address this. Click here to read my article.

We must expand telehealth for veterans
By Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

The 1st District of Georgia has a rich military heritage and one of my greatest honors is serving the service members and veterans in Southeast and Coastal Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Although a couple hours from home, many of our veterans travel to Charleston, S.C., or Lake City, Fla., in order to receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and medical facility. I, too, often visit these facilities to see how we can improve the care these heroes receive.

On a recent visit to the Charleston facility, we discussed a number of barriers that are standing in the way of better care for veterans. One serious concern is the VA’s current limitations on telehealth.

The VA Mission Act, which I was proud to support in Congress and was later signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017, reformed multiple programs at the VA. It overhauled the Veterans CHOICE Program, improved the veterans caregiver program and aimed to modernize the VA’s health care facilities.

Additionally, the VA Mission Act authorized the VA to provide telehealth services across state lines. This is critical because these VA health facilities are now able to give care to veteran patients in the First District without forcing those veterans to travel hours to South Carolina or Florida to be seen by a physician.

However, while we’re making important strides in telehealth at the VA, there is still a big problem. While at the Charleston VA medical facility, I learned that only doctors are allowed to use telehealth systems and trainees are not permitted to use the program.

Just like in any health care system, students, interns, residents and fellows are critical components of the VA. They use these professionals in every aspect of care. These medical providers have graduated medical school and are training to become full-time doctors. They need access to the telehealth system so they are able to get the experience necessary to provide the best possible care to veterans once they are fully licensed.

Additionally, allowing this population of health care professionals to use the telehealth system will increase access to this important care by increasing the number of providers.

That is why I introduced H.R. 3228, the VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act in the United States Congress. My legislation authorizes trainees to use the telehealth program under the supervision of an appropriately credentialed VA medical professional. This will allow better access to VA health care as well as better prepare future doctors to use the system.

Our veterans served our nation and deserve access to the best possible care when they return home. Increasing the use of telehealth at VA health centers is critical to ensure veterans are able to receive the care they need no matter where they live.

The VA Mission Telemedicine Clarification Act is only one small step to improve the health care system for veterans, but it is an important step that should be taken immediately.

From our nation's Capitol CCXXXVII

Monday, October 7, 2019: Now in its fourteenth year, the Buddy Walk, sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS), is held in Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah every year and this past Saturday drew thousands of people. LDSS is a family support group for people in the greater Savannah and Lowcountry area that have been touched by Down syndrome. I was very proud to join my brothers from the Band of Brothers on Saturday as we supported our good friend and fellow member Joe Marchese and his beautiful daughter Ella at the Buddy Walk.

Rep. Carter at the Buddy Walk

This is a special event for me, as well, as I grew up with an aunt who had Down syndrome and have fond memories of the joys and challenges my grandparents had raising a child with Down syndrome. My Aunt Jean was an integral part of our family. She was always accepted and included everywhere we went. I can still remember my family going out to eat at William’s Seafood in Savannah with my grandfather in his suit and tie with his arm extended and my Aunt Jean holding on as if he were walking her down the wedding aisle. Later Saturday morning I was able to stop by the Georgia Republican Leadership Academy held at the American Legion Post 184 in Thunderbolt to speak to them. On Sunday afternoon I was back at Forsyth Park as I attended one of the best events anywhere, Picnic in the Park, Savannah’s largest outdoor musical event.

Rep. Carter at Picnic in the Park

Sponsored by the City of Savannah and others, this beloved event featured not only students from local schools and colleges, but also the US Army 3^rd ID band and, of course, the world-class Savannah Philharmonic. What a great event! I’m in Atlanta today as I have a number of meetings in the area before joining Governor Brian Kemp and others at the Georgia GOP 2019 Chairman’s Dinner.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019: After arriving back home late last night, my first event of the day is at the Georgia Tech Savannah Campus as I speak at the Georgia Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Clean Technology Showcase and share with them my experiences as a member of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee. As a member of the E&C Environment Subcommittee as well as the Select Committee on Climate Change, we have considered many bills dealing with autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, compressed natural gas vehicles, and much more.

Rep. Carter at the Georgia Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Clean Technology Showcase

Afterwards, I head to our Savannah office where I have a very productive meeting with a representative from the Savannah Freedom Society followed by a meeting with representatives from Twin Pines Minerals regarding their proposed project in Charlton County. Next, I meet with representatives from Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity to learn more of the great work they are doing in the Savannah area before heading to Hinesville in Liberty County to meet with constituents from Liberty and Long Counties. Afterwards, I head to Cogdell in Clinch County where I meet with a number of constituents from the area.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019: I’m up early this morning as I head to the Coastal Heritage Society Battlefield Memorial March in downtown Savannah where we honor those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom on the 240^th anniversary of the Battle of Savannah during the Revolutionary War.

Rep. Carter at the Coastal Heritage Society Battlefield Memorial March

The Battle of Savannah was one of the Revolutionary War’s most pivotal battles and is where Gen. Casimir Pulaski was killed. Complete with soldiers clothed in uniforms from that period who marched along the same path as the original battle, participants laid wreaths in Battlefield Park during a commemorative ceremony. Afterwards, I head out to Richmond Hill Montessori Preschool in Bryan County where I read to a group of preschool classes in celebration of Georgia Pre-K Week.

Rep. Carter with students at Richmond Hill Montessori Preschool

Of the three books that I read, I have to say that my personal favorite was Llama, Llama Red Pajama. Afterwards, I head to midtown Savannah for a meeting with a constituent before heading to the Savannah Area Realtors Luncheon at the Hellenic Center in downtown Savannah where I am honored to be their guest speaker.

Thursday, October 10, 2019: I’m at Lake Raybun in North Georgia this weekend for my youngest son’s wedding and this morning I have a conference call with my good friend Col. Daniel Hibner, Commander of the Savannah District of the US Army Corp of Engineers, to discuss a project in the district. Later, I have a phone interview with The Capitol Forum to discuss new Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) rules that are being proposed that would give the agency the authority to review non-controlling investments in 28 new categories, including some in the chemical industry. Afterwards, I have a phone conference with representatives from JCB in Savannah to discuss new tariffs being levied by the administration that could potentially negatively impact their business.