New Research Solidifies the Dangers of the ACCESS Act
The Veterans ACCESS Act is advancing through Congress with a Trojan Horse provision buried within: it would allow veterans to seek private-sector mental healthcare without VA authorization or referral. New research provides even more evidence why this provision must be removed.
The study tracked veterans with PTSD referred to the Veterans Community Care Program in a Southeast region during 2021-2022. The quality gaps were stark:
25% of providers never sent records to the VA, preventing any care coordination
Among those who did submit records, 56% failed to document suicide risk assessments
80% didn't use any of the six evidence-based first- or second-line PTSD treatments
Fewer than 5% of patients showed symptom improvement
Not one provider completed a diagnostic assessment
Congress must require VCCP providers to meet VA-level training standards and treatment expectations before expanding private-sector access further. Veterans deserve the same quality mental healthcare regardless of where they receive it. Until these safeguards exist, expanded access will only mean broader exposure to substandard care.
