Senators Tracy Pennycuick and Frank Farry have introduced a set of bills aimed at improving healthcare for veterans in Pennsylvania. The legislative package consists of three measures that address recommendations from the Women Veterans Health Care Task Force, which was created by Senate Resolution 46. This resolution, sponsored by Pennycuick, sought to better understand and address the specific healthcare needs of veterans, with a focus on women.
The proposed legislation includes Senate Bill 1060, which would require physicians to ask new patients about their veteran status. Senate Bill 1061 mandates that County Directors of Veterans Affairs receive training related to illnesses affecting veterans. Senate Bill 1062 would require physicians to complete training on veteran-related illnesses as part of both initial licensure and license renewal.
“Veterans often have unique and complex health care needs, placing them at higher risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and suicide. Additionally, those who have served in certain theaters may experience ongoing health concerns stemming from toxic exposures, which can have serious, long-term effects on their well-being,” said Pennycuick. “Recognizing these risks is essential for policymakers, health care providers, and veteran support organizations.”
“I am pleased to partner on this important legislation with Sens. Pennycuick and Boscola to improve veteran healthcare in our Commonwealth,” said Farry. “The Women Veterans Health Care Task Force identified meaningful solutions to strengthen training for our health care providers, ensuring those who served our country get the care they earned.”
Findings from the Women Veterans Health Care Task Force indicated that patient experiences in healthcare vary widely. The task force concluded that outcomes are best when practitioners know a patient’s veteran status and are trained to recognize the specific challenges veterans may face outside of VA facilities.
