Trone, McKinley, Bost Introduce Camera Reporting Legislation to Improve Safety in VA Medical Centers

Press Release

Yesterday, U.S. Representatives David Trone (D-MD) and David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) introduced the Veterans' Camera Reporting (VCR) Act. This bill would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress on the use and maintenance of all cameras used for patient safety and law enforcement purposes in VA medical facilities.

"Ensuring the safety for our veterans who have served our country should be a top priority for our nation," said Trone, member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs. "This legislation will help ensure that cameras at VA facilities are functional and appropriately placed and maintained in order to protect the safety of our veterans seeking care at these facilities. I want to thank my friend Congressman McKinley for joining together on this important piece of bipartisan legislation that puts our veterans first."

"These brave men and women have risked their lives for our freedom and we need to make sure that their health and well-being is a priority," said McKinley. "This bill makes sure that every veteran feels safe when seeking treatment at the VA. Cameras will allow for greater transparency and oversight, providing an additional safety measure for veterans, VA staff, and visitors."

Joining Reps. McKinley and Trone as cosponsors are Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), and Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Mike Bost (R-IL).

"I am proud to join Congressman McKinley and our colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce the VCR Act. There have been too many instances where missing or malfunctioning cameras contributed to harmful or even deadly incidents in VA hospitals," said Ranking Member Bost. "This bill would allow us to get a handle on how cameras are used to protect veterans, staff, and visitors and how to make sure they are properly placed and maintained. It goes without saying that VA should be a safe and welcoming place for veterans. This bill will help assure that it is."

To learn more about H.R. 1510, the Veterans' Camera Reporting (VCR) Act, click here.

The Senate companion version to the Veterans' Camera Reporting (VCR) Act was also introduced by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).

Background:

This legislation was introduced following several suspicious deaths of veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center.

Last Congress, McKinley was a lead cosponsor on House companion to H.R. 5616, the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act which was signed into law by President Trump in November. The bill requires the VA to submit detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at VA Medical Centers in light of the recent deaths of Veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center.

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