VA COMPETES Act Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation Optimization and Modernization for Physicians to Ensure Treatment Excellence and Service Act
Impact
This legislation could have profound implications for the recruitment and retention of medical professionals at the VA. It is intended to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive certain pay limitations when necessary to attract or retain highly skilled healthcare workers. By establishing market pay as the basis for compensation and mandating regular evaluations based on performance, the bill promotes an adaptable approach to healthcare staffing. This is especially pertinent in light of ongoing challenges facing the VA, including staff shortages and the increasing demand for healthcare services among veterans.
Summary
House Bill 10142, referred to as the VA COMPETES Act, aims to enhance the workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by adjusting the compensation structure for healthcare providers within the organization. The bill proposes significant modifications to the pay systems of physicians, podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists, ensuring that their compensation reflects the market rates and performance criteria. By amending existing provisions of Title 38 of the United States Code, the legislation seeks to streamline recruitment and retention strategies for critical healthcare personnel who deliver essential services to veterans.
Contention
While the bill's supporters argue that it addresses critical compensation issues, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for uneven implementation or inequities in how pay is determined across various facilities. There is a possibility that the adjustments could disproportionately favor certain specialties over others, leading to potential discontent among healthcare providers. Additionally, the requirement for regular evaluations could be seen as intrusive or bureaucratic if not managed carefully, potentially diverting focus from patient care.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize a joint scholarship program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for medical education of an officer of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service at the Uniformed Services University in return for a period of obligated service by such officer at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) personnel matters and the training, recruitment, and retention of VA health care employees. Among other requirements, the VA must expand various staff training efforts and programs; comply with certain notification and staffing requirements when a VA medical center director is on detail; prescribe a system of pay for individuals appointed as directors of medical centers and directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks; and establish a consolidated annual leave account for certain VA employees with restored leave during 2020, 2021, and 2022. The bill also authorizes the VA to waive pay limitations for employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who are performing mission critical work; increases the maximum amount of incentive pay for pharmacist executives; modifies the special pay authority for nurse executives and the administration of pay for VA physicians, podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists; authorizes a waiver of certain licensure requirements for psychologists and mental health counselors in certain circumstances; requires the Inspector General of the VA to study and report on the use of direct hire authority, the contributions made by the use of such authority, and any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies with respect to the use of such authority; includes VA police officers as law enforcement officers for purposes of the federal retirement system; and requires the Government Accountability Office to report on human resources modernization conducted by the VHA.