WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the House approved a bill that will allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health professionals to practice telemedicine across state borders and care for more of America’s veterans.

The bill, H.R. 2123, the Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support (VETS) Act of 2017, introduced by U.S. Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Julia Brownley, D-Calif., allows VA doctors to practice telemedicine across state lines.

Rep. Thompson, father of a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, said: “I am pleased the House passed this bill today to allow our servicemen and women greater access to care – especially those in rural areas. As our nation celebrates Veterans Day this weekend, it is particularly meaningful and sends a message that we put our veterans first. This bill will ensure that our veterans receive timely health care no matter where they live”

The bill would do three things:

Create a VA state licensure exemption to allow VA-credentialed health care professionals to work across state borders to perform telemedicine without having to obtain a new license in that state.

Expand the definition of exempt health care professionals to include VA doctors.

Remove the location requirement to allow for care regardless of where the health care professional or patient is located.