PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 81 · Passed House without amendment · Nov 7, 2017
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017 or the VETS Act of 2017
(Sec. 2) This bill allows a licensed health care professional of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to practice his or her profession using telemedicine at any location in any state regardless of where the professional or patient is located if the covered health care professional is using telemedicine to provide VA medical or health services.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Such authority shall apply to a covered health care professional regardless of whether the covered health care professional or patient is located in a federally-owned facility.
The bill defines "covered health care professional" as a health care professional who: (1) is a VA employee appointed under specified VA authorities or under the civil service; (2) is authorized by the VA to provide health care; (3) is required to adhere to all telemedicine quality standards; and (4) has an active, current, full, and unrestricted state license, registration, or certification for such health care profession.
The VA shall report to Congress on the effectiveness of the VA's use of telemedicine.
People & committees
Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-5] · R–PA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8556-8557)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8556-8557)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2123.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8556-8558)
Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 290.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-394.
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-394.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.2123 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.2123 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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