The Congress Should Mandate Formation of a Military-VA-Civilian Contingency Hospital System
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DOD) is developing a civilian-military contingency hospital system for treating returning battlefield casualties because it has insufficient resources of its own. However, several issues and unanswered questions regarding DODs implementation plans need immediate attention. The most important issue, in GAOs opinion, is the extent of support the Veterans Administration (VA) will provide DOD. DOD plans considered limited VA assistance. VA cannot fully support DOD without modifications to VAs current legislative authority and responsibilities. Therefore, GAO recommends that the Congress enact needed legislation. GAO also recommends the development of plans using available Federal and civilian medical resources to treat battlefield casualties. Such plans should include coordination of civilian resources with both DOD and VA facilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 26, 1980
- Accession Number
- AD1106025
Entities
People
- Milton J. Socolar
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office