Bill would let families add notes to deceased veterans' health records
In markupS. 2333Latest action
Sponsor: Peter Welch · Senator · VT
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Official title: Health Records Enhancement Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Families could add supplemental health information to a deceased veteran's records, but not alter existing entries.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill requires the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to set up a system letting a veteran's chosen designee, or otherwise a close family member, add health-related information to that veteran's records after death. This added information can only supplement existing records, not change or delete anything already there. The system must be established within one year of enactment.
Who does it affect?
This affects veterans who were enrolled in VA health care or eligible for TRICARE at the time of their death, and their families or designated representatives.
Why does it matter?
The change could improve historical accuracy of medical records and help surviving family members understand hereditary health risks, though implementation details are left to the two departments.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 17, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Mar 18, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.