RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 4, 2026 — The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) today reaffirmed its support for the Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a two-year U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot to connect eligible veterans with qualified community-based virtual opioid treatment providers when VA facilities cannot provide timely care.
The legislation was introduced by U.S. Reps. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) and Don Davis (D-N.C.). NCMSF is among the organizations formally supporting the bill.
NCMSF founded Virtual Based Opioid Treatment (VBOT) as a clinician-led initiative to close persistent gaps in evidence-based opioid use disorder care, particularly in rural and underserved North Carolina communities. VBOT coordinates medical treatment, counseling, peer support and care navigation through a virtual model designed to reduce logistical barriers while maintaining high clinical standards.
| “The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation created Project VBOT around a simple clinical reality: timely access matters. When a veteran is ready to begin treatment, distance, transportation and provider availability should not determine whether care is possible. This bill offers a thoughtful way to extend the VA’s reach through qualified community providers while preserving the VA’s essential role and clinical oversight.” — Franklin Walker, MBA, Executive Director, North Carolina Medical Society Foundation |
The proposed pilot would operate through the Veterans Community Care Program and would supplement—not replace—care delivered directly by the VA. That structure is consistent with NCMSF’s view of virtual care as an access bridge and care extender that complements established clinical systems.
The congressional announcement also points to a national VA study of more than 17,000 veterans receiving buprenorphine. Veterans who received at least some treatment through telehealth were more likely to remain in treatment for at least 90 days than veterans treated exclusively in person.
NCMSF encourages continued bipartisan collaboration as the legislation advances and supports an implementation process that includes veterans, VA clinicians, qualified community providers, payers and other stakeholders responsible for ensuring coordinated, sustainable care.
About the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation
The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Medical Society. Established in 1966, NCMSF works to improve access to quality health care for all North Carolinians through clinician leadership, partnership and purpose-driven investment. The Foundation identifies gaps, pilots solutions and builds partnerships that create sustainable, long-term impact. Learn more at ncmsfoundation.org.
About Project VBOT
Founded by NCMSF, Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment is a statewide, clinician-led program expanding access to evidence-based opioid use disorder care across North Carolina through coordinated virtual medical care, counseling, peer support, and care navigation. Learn more at projectvbot.com.