Veterans Affairs officials will extend community care authorizations for up to one year for procedures related to 30 separate medical specialties, a move that critics charge could potentially put taxpayers on the hook for expensive and ineffective medical treatments.

Department leaders on Monday said the change is needed to ensure that veterans’ medical care outside the federal health systems is not delayed or disrupted by cumbersome regulation. Currently, patients need to get reauthorizations every three to six months for the community care appointments.

“No veteran should have their health care disrupted by red tape,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement announcing the new policy. “This change means better continuity of care, which leads to better health outcomes. It also

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