Corrine Brown Introduces Legislation to Ensure Gender Specific Services at VA Health Centers

2015-05-04T12:13:47-04:00

What are your thoughts on this? When I first see this I think do we really need to mandate something like this but then I think there are differences in the health care needed for men and Women so it might be a good idea.

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2015/04/29/corrine-brown-introduces-legislation-to-ensure-gender-specific-services-at-va-health-centers/

House Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Corrine Brown introduced legislation today requiring that gender-specific services be continuously available at every VA medical center and community based outpatient clinic in the country.

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made May 4 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-05-04T12:24:04-04:00

I absolutely agree men and women have different health issues as a result of gender and female vets deserve world-class treatment.

That said, it's an unequivocal fact that women make up a relatively small portion of the force - so from an efficiency perspective, does it make sense for VA to create female-centric capabilities in all centers?

I have no idea, but I'm pretty confident that with a little thought and attention, we could come up with a pretty good analysis that indicates whether it makes better sense to serve female vets via commercial providers as opposed to within the VA system - and implement the choice that gets female vets the services they need within an effective and efficient structure...rather than politicians mandating it.

All that said, I wouldn't trust the VA to analyze the length of my toe nails.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 4 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-05-04T12:46:49-04:00

I get it and everyone, male or female, is entitled to comprehensive gender specific services but once you put things like this into law it creates undue burden and probably expensive standards on the system that will crush it. Politicians need to breathe the air below 10,000 feet once in a while and get the real picture instead of making lofty demands from on high without researching the issue. She is basing this legislation - from what I can see - solely on the increase in the number of women vets. (and probably to court their vote)

I think Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP has the right idea about looking at stats first to determine how best to provide the 100% service - and that should be across the board for both genders.