WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Brad Finstad (MN-01) introduced the Healthcare Freedom for VHA Volunteer Drivers Act. This legislation would exempt volunteer drivers from the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Volunteer drivers provide transportation services to veterans who cannot drive, particularly veterans in rural communities, to get to and from appointments at Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) facilities.
“Veterans in rural communities, such as those in southern Minnesota, depend on volunteer drivers to make it safely to and from their appointments. However, volunteers who are willing and able to assist our veterans are prevented from doing so because of an outdated mandate rooted in politics,” said Rep. Finstad. “This legislation is a necessary step to ensure that no volunteers are turned away from helping our veterans access the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.”
“Local County Veterans Service Officers and our partner Veterans Service Organizations have for years provided veterans transportation services from distant, rural communities to VA medical centers. The backbone of this vital transportation service has been drivers, mainly veterans themselves, stepping up to become certified VA Volunteers. A status that allows them to perform their service without fear of personal liability risks,” said Michael McLaughlin, Legislative Director, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. “VA’s directive that requires non-medical volunteer drivers to be fully vaccinated, while there is no such requirement for the veterans they transport from entering VA facilities has created unneeded burdens on recruiting and retaining drivers, especially in rural communities where transportation is needed the most.”
