H.R. 1860 — Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act

This section requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire or designate a Regional Breast Cancer and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinator at each Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) not later than one year after enactment, with each coordinator reporting directly to the Director of the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence (BGOSoE). The section specifies that eligible veterans—those diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer or a precancerous breast or gynecologic condition who qualify for care at non-Department facilities under the Veterans Community Care Program (38 U.S.C. §1703)—may receive care coordination services. The Secretary must establish regions for this coordination by assigning all Department facilities under the BGOSoE Director and a designated coordinator, accounting for existing VISNs and veterans' needs (e.g., in rural areas). Coordinators must (1) ensure care coordination between Department clinicians and community providers; (2) collaborate with the Office of Community Care; (3) maintain regular veteran contact; (4) monitor services, health outcomes (e.g., remission, metastasis, death), and data (e.g., demographics, treatment numbers); (5) inform veterans on emergency care notification (within 72 hours) and mental health resources; (6) document contacts, provider information, and diagnoses in electronic health records; and (7) perform other duties as determined by the Secretary. Not later than three years after enactment, the Secretary must report to the congressional Veterans' Affairs Committees comparing Department and community care outcomes (e.g., cancer-related deaths, remission rates, timeliness, patient safety "never events"), evaluating needed improvements, and addressing other relevant matters. The section defines "community care provider" and "breast and gynecologic cancer community care provider" with reference to 38 U.S.C. §1703(c).