This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to build and operate a high-frequency emergency communications system at all VA medical facilities within two years to maintain communications during disasters when normal systems fail. The system will allow VA hospitals to communicate with each other and coordinate with other federal agencies during emergencies, and will be implemented in phases starting with three test regions. The VA must designate a lead office, create training programs, conduct annual emergency drills, and ensure facilities are staffed 24/7 to monitor the system. The bill also requires the VA to submit detailed reports to Congress within 180 days outlining implementation plans, identify and assess regional emergency supply centers, improve the emergency pharmacy supply system with tracking mechanisms and staff training, and work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to explore sharing resources like fuel during emergencies. The Inspector General must evaluate the system's effectiveness three years after enactment, and Congress will receive annual updates on system performance and any outages. The legislation aims to strengthen VA emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the department's medical facilities and regional operations.
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