WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo of Idaho and Angus King of Maine have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing duplicative inspections at state veterans homes across the country.

The proposed State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act would allow state veterans homes to forgo annual inspections by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services if they have already met all requirements under the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual inspection process. According to the senators, the VA survey already provides a comprehensive review of safety, facility conditions, and clinical care standards required for certification .

Currently, state veterans homes that serve Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are subject to nearly identical inspections from both agencies. Lawmakers say this results in overlapping audits for roughly 75 percent of facilities nationwide, diverting staff time and resources away from resident care .

Crapo said the bill would reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining high standards of care for veterans. King echoed that sentiment, calling the measure a commonsense approach to preserving quality oversight while allowing facilities to focus on services for veterans .

The legislation has drawn support from veterans service organizations and state officials. Idaho Division of Veterans Services Director Mark Tschampl said the VA inspection process is already rigorous and comprehensive, and eliminating redundant CMS surveys would reduce costs without compromising oversight .

The National Association of State Veterans Homes also endorsed the bill, noting that CMS inspections have been found to be approximately 90 percent identical to key portions of VA surveys. The organization said streamlining the process would help reduce bureaucratic obstacles while maintaining accountability .

Idaho currently has four VA-recognized state veterans homes, located in Boise, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Post Falls. All are operated by the Idaho Division of Veterans Services .

Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Jim Risch of Idaho, Mike Lee of Utah, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Jim Justice of West Virginia, and Tim Sheehy of Montana .

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