“It is my hope that the GAO report not only results in the VA’s compliance with recommended guidance, but also identifies additional ways to ensure our nation’s veterans have access to linguistically and culturally competent care,” said Congresswoman Solis. “I am extremely disappointed by the continued failure of the Administration to ensure all veterans have appropriate care and am pleased that the GAO has agreed to investigate this matter.”

In July, Solis was joined by Ranking Member of the Veteran Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health, Michael H. Michaud (ME-02) and Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-03), in requesting that the GAO to review the VA’s implementation of programs which ensure that our nation’s veterans receive culturally and linguistically appropriate care.

This report was requested in response to a letter dated March 21, 2006 in which the VA admitted that less than half (43 percent) of their facilities have trained their staff to understand the VA’s policy and only 24 percent of facilities have translated materials into languages they encounter. In correspondence dated October 24, 2006, the VA stated its refusal to establish a Department task force or working group to ensure its programs are accessible by persons with limited English proficiency.

On January 31, 2002, the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued guidance (2002-006) under Executive Order 13166 to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to health care and other services. Among other things, the guidance directed the VA medical facilities and vet centers to conduct a thorough assessment of language needs, develop and implement a comprehensive language assistance program, train staff on the limited English proficiency access policy and establish vigilant monitoring and oversight to ensure that individuals with LEP have meaningful access to health care and services.