HARRISBURG – Today, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) and Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) introduced three measures intended to improve the health outcomes of Pennsylvania’s veterans.
The bills stem from the recommendations provided by the Women Veterans Health Care Task Force. The task force was established by Senate Resolution 46, which was introduced by Pennycuick to better understand and address the unique health care needs of veterans—especially for women veterans.
Developing and implementing veteran-focused health care, ranging from mental health support to specialized medical services, can ensure that veterans receive the care and resources they deserve long after their service has ended.
Senate Bill 1060 requires physicians to screen new patients of their veteran status; Senate Bill 1061 requires County Directors of Veterans Affairs to receive veteran-related illness training; and Senate Bill 1062 requires physicians to complete veteran related illness training for licensure and for 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.”
The Women Veterans Health Care Task Force largely found that health care is a field with large variations in patient experiences and that the best results, when seeking care outside of the VA, are obtained when a practitioner is aware of a patient’s veteran status and is trained to understand a veteran’s potential for increased health care challenges.
You can read the full Women Veterans Health Care in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania report here.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388