The AVERT Crises Act of 2024 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a high-frequency emergency communications system across all VA medical facilities within two years to maintain operations during disasters without relying on external infrastructure. The system will enable VA facilities to communicate with each other and other government agencies, coordinate emergency responses, and request resources during crises. The VA must conduct a phased rollout starting with three Veterans Integrated Service Networks, complete extensive training and testing programs, and report to Congress on implementation progress, with the VA Inspector General conducting an independent review three years after enactment.
Additionally, the bill requires the VA to submit several reports within 180 days addressing emergency management organizational structure, the status and capacity of Regional Readiness Centers that distribute emergency supplies, improvements to the emergency pharmacy cache program including tracking systems and staff training, and coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on fuel and resource sharing during emergencies. The legislation aims to strengthen the VA's ability to respond to health emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises by improving communications, supply chain management, and interagency coordination while ensuring adequate staffing and training to maintain these emergency systems.
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