IDFPR Secretary Treto Releases Statement on Reports of Discriminatory VA Care Policy

SPRINGFIELD – IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. released the following statement in response to reports that new federal rules would allow for discrimination in the treatment of veterans:

“I am deeply disturbed by recent reports that medical professionals within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may now refuse treatment to veterans based on factors such as marital status or political affiliation.

This reported policy shift is not only antithetical to the ethical principles of medicine, particularly the core duty to “do no harm,” but it is also fundamentally misaligned with the values of the State of Illinois. Discrimination has no place in healthcare, especially in service to those who have served our country.

While the VA operates under federal jurisdiction and can set healthcare professional standards within VA hospitals, VA policies are irrelevant to Illinois-licensed professionals practicing in other settings. Let me be clear: IDFPR will take swift and appropriate disciplinary action against any licensed professional under its jurisdiction who engages in discriminatory denial of care.

Illinois remains committed to protecting the dignity and rights of all patients, including our veterans, and to upholding a healthcare system that is accessible, respectful, and free from bias.

IDFPR encourages patients who experience discrimination or unethical treatment by an Illinois-licensed provider to file a complaint through our website at idfpr.illinois.gov.

We stand with our veterans, and we stand firmly against any attempt to undermine the integrity of medical care with prejudice or exclusion.”