In early 2025, the 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (“Elizabeth Dole Act”) went into effect. The Act brings significant changes to how veterans can access care outside the VA system. Among the most important updates is the removal of the requirement for a second review of a clinician’s decision to refer a veteran to community care (care outside the VA). In other words, the Act makes it, so veteran patients don’t have to wait for another doctor or