This bill requires the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to work together to make it easier for veterans to get medical care at military hospitals and clinics. Right now, these two departments operate somewhat separately, even though they serve many of the same people. The bill directs both secretaries to create action plans that break down barriers between the two systems.

The main goals are straightforward: use military medical facilities that have empty beds or unused space to treat more veterans, make it easier for doctors and nurses from one department to work at the other's facilities, speed up access to military bases for VA staff and veterans, and improve how medical records and information flow between the two systems. Each facility involved will need to designate a coordinator to manage the partnership and track how well it's working.

The bill also focuses heavily on patient safety and accountability. Veterans need a secure way to report complaints without fear of retaliation, and both departments must keep detailed records of any safety incidents or problems. If there's an allegation of abuse or misconduct, it automatically goes to the Inspector General for investigation. The VA can pause sending veterans to a facility if there are serious concerns during an investigation. Both departments must report back to Congress annually on how many veterans they're serving, how many doctors they've cross-trained, what it's costing, and whether the system is actually working better.

To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve the availability of care for veterans at facilities of the Department of Defense.