Authorization for non-VA medical services. Direct final rule

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking direct final action to amend its regulation governing payment by VA for non-VA outpatient care under VA's statutory authority to provide non-VA care. Under this authority, VA may contract for certain hospital care (inpatient care) and medical services (outpatient care) for eligible veterans when VA facilities are not capable of providing such services due to geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of providing the services needed. This amendment revises VA's existing regulation in accordance with statutory authority to remove a limitation on which veterans are eligible for medical services under this authority.