National Commander LaCoursiere addresses a news article that said VA doctors could refuse to treat some patients under a presidential executive order.
A June 16 story in The Guardian reported that, under an executive order from President Trump, doctors at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals could refuse to treat some patients.
“You may have seen the recent article incorrectly stating that ‘hospitals nationwide could refuse to treat unmarried veterans and Democrats,’” American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. said. “VHA Directives 1019 and 1124 explicitly ban discrimination in health care and employment decisions based on these factors, and the directives have not been changed or rescinded.
“We have spoken with VA officials who assured us there are no plans to change these directives, and reiterated in the strongest possible terms that every eligible veteran will continue to receive the care and benefits they’ve earned. The American Legion will keep monitoring the administration’s actions and work on behalf of all veterans to ensure VA keeps its promise. If you or a veteran you know believe you have experienced discrimination of any kind, you can file a claim with the VA, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or contact your congressional representatives.”
- Veterans Healthcare