Hospital care and medical services in non-VA facilities--VA. Final rule and regulation.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending regulations which pertain to the authorization for contract non-VA hospital care and medical services for veterans. The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 provides that veterans with a total disability permanent in nature from a service-connected disability may be authorized contract non-VA hospital care and medical services. Contract care may be authorized only if the VA facility is not capable of furnishing the care required, or is not capable of furnishing economical care or services because of geographical inaccessibility. This amendment will make the regulations consistent with the law.