Comment on AN49-Proposed Rule-Urban, Deborah

I was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio for 22 years until December 4, 2009 when I was wrongfully discharged. I WAS A CLAIMS ASSISTANT IN THE FEE BASIS SECTION-THE SECTION THAT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVES THE VERY CLAIMS THE PROPOSED RULE IS TARGETING. Yes, the veterans have a right to receive payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment at non-VA facilities. As a expert in the field, claims are reviewed by GS-6 claims assistant with no medical terminology training, no medical background. These GS-6 employees are told by supervision to approve or disapprove claims for payment. The focus is whether the veteran had a life-threatening medical emergency or could he have reasonably waited and be seen at a VA facility. Who makes that decision? Non-medical personnel and students!