The letter addresses a credentialing process that in the letter he says results in a recruiting process for health-care providers that’s too long.

“It’s just trying to streamline the process to make it more likely that providers would be willing to work with us and getting rid of some of the red tape,” Tillis said. “That’s going to be particularly, I think, applicable to getting the choice program on track.”

The VA’s choice program, implemented in November, allows eligible veterans a choice to receive care at private providers. Among the eligibility requirements are a wait that’s longer than 30 days and an excessive burden to travel to the nearest facility. Tillis’ letter suggests the VA should encourage the use of private facilities.

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