This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to fix how veterans schedule medical appointments. Right now, the appointment scheduling process is complicated and frustrating for both veterans trying to book care and VA staff managing the system. This bill requires the VA to create a comprehensive plan within one year that makes scheduling easier for everyone.

The plan needs to accomplish several key things: create a scheduling system where both patients and staff can see what appointments are available for primary care, mental health, specialty care, and other services; build an online self-service platform where veterans can book their own appointments without calling anyone; set up a phone line where veterans can talk to a real person who will help them find available appointments and book them; and improve the technology and training for VA employees who handle scheduling. If the VA determines that any of these features can't be done, they have to explain why and provide an alternative plan.

Once the plan is approved, the VA has two years to fully put it into action. The VA also has to make sure this new scheduling system works smoothly with their larger electronic health records modernization project. Throughout the process, the VA must report back to Congress about costs, progress, and what they've learned. Importantly, the bill protects veterans' right to call a VA facility directly and schedule appointments the old-fashioned way if they prefer not to use the new online or phone systems.