,i  #aad? ,,congress  #b;d ,session  ,h4
 ,r4 #eebf  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(          
,,repres5tatives  ,june #af1 #bjaf ,mr4 
,w5/rup 7= himself & ,mrs4 ,walorski7   
introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to
 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs1 & 9
 addition to ! ,committee on ,ov]sight &
 ,gov]nm5t ,re=m1 = a p]iod to be       
subsequ5tly det]m9$ by ! ,speak]1 9 ea* 
case = consid]ation ( su* provisions z  
fall )9 ! jurisdiction ( ! committee    
conc]n$  ,a ,,bill  ,to improve !       
au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs to hire & reta9 physicians &   
o!r employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans  
,affairs1 & = o!r purposes4  #a4 ,table 
( cont5ts  ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act
 is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,table (        
cont5ts4 ,sec4 #b4 ,appo9tm5t & pay =   
directors ( m$ical c5t]s & ,vet]ans     
,integrat$ ,s]vices ,networks4 ,sec4 #c4
 ,modification to annual det]m9ation (  
/aff+ %ortages 9 ,vet]ans ,heal?        
,adm9i/ration4 ,sec4 #d4 ,repeal (      
comp5sation panels to det]m9e m>ket pay 

= physicians & d5ti/s4 ,sec4 #e4        
,executive managem5t fell[%ip program4  
,sec4 #f4 ,acc\ntability ( lead]s =     
manag+ ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 
,sec4 #g4 ,modification to vet]ans      
pref]5ce4 ,sec4 #h4 ,reemploym5t ( =m]  
employees4 ,sec4 #i4 ,recruit+ database4
 ,sec4 #aj4 ,human res\rces academy4    
,sec4 #aa4 ,promotional opportunities = 
te*nical exp]ts4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,comptroll] 
,g5]al /udy on succession plann+4 ,sec4 
#ac4 ,in=mation on hir+ effectiv5ess4   
,sec4 #ad4 ,employm5t ( /ud5ts & rec5t  
graduates4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,exit surveys4    
#b4 ,appo9tm5t & pay = directors (      
m$ical c5t]s & ,vet]ans ,integrat$      
,s]vices ,networks  7a7 ,appo9tm5t      
,p>agraph 7#d7 ( section #gcjf7;a7 (    
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 to read z foll[s3  7#d7 ,su* m$ical    
directors & directors ( ,vet]ans        
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks z may be   
appo9t$ to suit ! ne$s ( ! ,dep>tm5t1   
:o1 to ! ext5t practicable1 %all be a   
qualifi$ doctor ( m$ic9e1 a qualifi$    

doctor ( d5tal surg]y or d5tal m$ic9e1  
or o!r qualifi$ m$ical pr(essional4  4  
7b7 ,pay  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,iv (
 *apt] #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ aft] section    
#gdei ! foll[+ new section3  #gdfj4     
,m$ical directors & directors ( ,vet]ans
 ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks  7a7      
,elem5ts ( pay ,pay = cov]$ directors   
%all consi/ ( ! foll[+ elem5ts3 7#a7    
,base pay z provid$ = "u subsection 7b74
  7#b7 ,m>ket pay z provid$ = "u        
subsection 7c74  7b7 ,base pay ,ea*     
cov]$ director is entitl$ to base pay   
det]m9$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 ( section 
#gdjd ( ?is title4  7c7 ,m>ket pay  7#a7
 ,ea* cov]$ director is eligible = m>ket
 pay "u ?is subsection4  7#b7 ,m>ket pay
 %all consi/ ( pay int5d$ to reflect !  
recruitm5t & ret5tion ne$s = ! assignm5t
 7z def9$ by ! ,secret>y7 ( a p>ticul>  
cov]$ director4  7#c7 ,! annual am\nt ( 
! m>ket pay payable to a cov]$ director 
%all be det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y on a     
case-by-case basis4  7#d7 ,9 det]m9+ !  

am\nt ( m>ket pay = cov]$ directors1 !  
,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 consult two or m  
national surveys ( pay = hospital       
directors1 m$ical facility directors1 or
 o!rs individuals 9 simil> positions1   
:e!r prep>$ by private1 public1 or      
quasi-public entities 9 ord] to make a  
g5]al assessm5t ( ! range ( pays payable
 to cov]$ directors1 z applicable2 &    
7,b7 take into acc\nt-- 7i7 ! exp]i5ce (
 ! cov]$ director 9 manag+ facilities or
 program (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t2  7ii7 !  
exp]i5ce ( ! cov]$ director 9 manag+    
m$ical facilities = o!r dep>tm5ts or    
ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t1 private   
entities1 or non-pr(it entities2  7iii7 
! complexity ( ! facility manag$ or to  
be manag$ by ! cov]$ director2  7iv7 !  
labor m>ket = hospital directors1 m$ical
 facility directors1 or o!r individuals 
9 simil> positions1 :i* may cov] any    
geographic area ! ,secret>y consid]s    
appropriate2 &  7v7 su* o!r             
consid]ations z ! ,secret>y consid]s    
appropriate4  7#e7 ,! am\nt ( m>ket pay 

( a cov]$ director %all be evaluat$ by !
 ,secret>y n less (t5 ?an once e two    
ye>s4 ,! am\nt ( m>ket pay may be adju/$
 z ! result ( su* an evaluation4 ,a     
cov]$ director ^: m>ket pay is s        
evaluat$ %all receive writt5 notice ( ! 
results ( su* evaluation4  7d7          
,requirem5ts & limitations on total pay 
7#a7  7,a7 ,n less (t5 ?an once e two   
ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all prescribe =      
,dep>tm5t-wide applicability ! m9imum & 
maximum am\nts ( annual pay t may be    
paid "u ?is section to cov]$ directors4 
7,b7 ,am\nts prescrib$ "u subp>agraph   
7,a7 %all be publi%$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/]1
 & %all n take effect until at lea/ #fj 
days aft] ! date ( publication4  7#b7 ,!
 sum ( ! total am\nt ( ! annual rate (  
base pay payable to a cov]$ director "u 
subsection 7b7 & ! m>ket pay det]m9$ = !
 cov]$ director "u subsection 7c7 may n 
be less ?an ! m9imum am\nt1 nor m ?an ! 
maximum am\nt1 specifi$ pursuant to     
p>agraph 7#a77;,a74  7#c7 ,9 no case may
 ! total am\nt ( comp5sation paid to a  

cov]$ director 9 any ye> exce$ ! am\nt (
 annual comp5sation 7exclud+ exp5ses7   
specifi$ 9 section #ajb ( title #c4  7e7
 ,treatm5t ( pay ,pay "u subsections 7b7
 & 7c7 %all be consid]$ pay = all       
purposes1 includ+ retirem5t b5efits "u  
*apt]s #hc & #hd ( title #e & o!r       
b5efits4  7f7 ,ancill>y effects (       
decreases 9 pay  7#a7 ,a decrease 9 pay 
( a cov]$ director result+ f an adju/m5t
 9 ! am\nt ( m>ket pay ( ! cov]$        
director "u subsection 7c7 %all n be    
treat$ z an adv]se action4  7#b7 ,a     
decrease 9 pay ( a cov]$ director       
result+ f an involunt>y reassignm5t 9   
connection ) a discipl9>y action tak5   
aga9/ ! cov]$ director is n subject to  
appeal4  7g7 ,delegation (              
responsibilities ,! ,secret>y may       
delegate to an appropriate (fic] or     
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t any              
responsibility ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is     
section1 except = ! responsibilities ( !
 ,secret>y "u subsection 7d77#a74  7h7  
,cov]$ directors def9$ ,9 ?is section1 !

 t]m cov]$ directors means m$ical       
directors & directors ( ,vet]ans        
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks appo9t$ "u 
section #gcjf7;a77#d7 ( ?is title4  4   
7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (        
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is     
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #gdei ! foll[+ new item3  #gdfj4
 ,m$ical directors & directors (        
,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4  
4  7#c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,*apt] #gd (   
su* title is fur!r am5d$-- 7,a7 9       
section #gdjd7;a77#a7 by /rik+ ,! annual
 & ins]t+ ,except z provid$ by section  
#gdfj ( ?is title1 ! annual2 &  7,b7 9 !
 head+ = sub*apt] ,,iv 7& 9 ! item      
relat+ to su* sub*apt] 9 ! table (      
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]71 by   
/rik+ heal?-c>e4  #c4 ,modification to  
annual det]m9ation ( /aff+ %ortages 9   
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,subsection 7a7 ( section #gdab ( 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ! five occupations
 & ins]t+ ! five cl9ical occupations & !

 five noncl9ical occupations2 &  7#b7 by
 /rik+ ?r\gh\t ! ,dep>tm5t & ins]t+ )   
respect to ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$      
,s]vices ,network14  7b7 ,te*nical      
am5dm5t ,subsection 7b7 ( su* section is
 am5d$ by /rik+ p>agraph 7#a7 & ins]t+  
subsection 7a74  #d4 ,repeal (          
comp5sation panels to det]m9e m>ket pay 
= physicians & d5ti/s ,section #gdca7;c7
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#d72    
7#b7 by r$esignat+ p>agraphs 7#e71 7#f71
 & 7#g7 z p>agraphs 7#d71 7#e71 & 7#f71 
respectively2 &  7#c7 9 p>agraph 7#f71 z
 s r$esignat$1 by /rik+ "u p>agraph 7#f7
 & ins]t+ "u p>agraph 7#e74  #e4        
,executive managem5t fell[%ip program   
7a7 ,fell[%ip program ,*apt] #g ( title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new sub*apt]3    
,,ii ,executive ,managem5t ,fell[%ip    
,program  #gba4 ,executive ,managem5t   
,fell[%ip ,program  7a7 ,fell[%ip       
program ,!re is 9 ! ,dep>tm5t an        
,executive ,managem5t ,fell[%ip         

,program4 ,! purpose ( ! program %all be
 to provide eligible employees ( !      
,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & !     
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration ) tra9+ & 
exp]i5ce 9 ! private sector4  7b7       
,fell[%ip  7#a7 ,a fell[%ip provid$ "u  
?is section is a "o-ye> fell[%ip dur+   
:i* ! eligible employee :o is ! recipi5t
 ( ! fell[%ip %all receive tra9+ at a   
private-sector entity t is engag$ 9 !   
adm9i/ration & deliv]y ( heal? c>e or   
o!r s]vices simil> to ! b5efits adm9i/]$
 by ! ,secret>y4  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all
 ent] into su* agreem5ts )              
private-sector entities z are necess>y  
to c>ry out ?is section4  7c7 ,selection
 ( recipi5ts ,9 ,augu/ ( ea* ye>1 !     
,secret>y %all select n few] ?an #ah & n
 m ?an #cj eligible employees to receive
 a fell[%ip "u ?is section4 ,to ! ext5t 
practicable1 ! ,secret>y %all select su*
 eligible employees f among eligible    
employees :o are vet]ans 9 a mann] t is 
reflective ( ! demographics ( ! vet]an  
population ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7d7      

,eligible employees ,= ! purposes ( ?is 
section1 an eligible employee is an     
employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits          
,adm9i/ration or ! ,vet]ans ,heal?      
,adm9i/ration :o--  7#a7 is comp5sat$ at
 a rate ( basic pay n less ?an ! m9imum 
rate ( basic pay payable = grade        
,,gs-#ad ( ! ,g5]al ,s*$ule & n m ?an   
ei!r ! m9imum rate ( basic pay payable  
to a memb] ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice
 "u section #echb ( title #e1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 or ! m9imum rate ( basic  
pay payable pursuant to *apt] #gd ( ?is 
title1 z ! case may be2  7#b7 ent]s into
 an agreem5t ) ! ,secret>y "u subsection
 7e72 &  7#c7 submits to ! ,secret>y an 
application conta9+ su* in=mation &     
assurances z ! ,secret>y may require4   
7e7 ,agreem5ts ,an agreem5t betwe5 !    
,secret>y & a recipi5t ( a fell[%ip %all
 be 9 writ+1 %all be sign$ by !         
recipi5t1 & %all include ! foll[+       
provisions3  7#a7 ,! ,secret>y's        
agreem5t-- 7,a7 to provide ! recipi5t ) 
a fell[%ip "u ?is section2 &  7,b7 to   

af=d ! p>ticipant ! opportunity =       
employm5t 9 ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits         
,adm9i/ration or ! ,vet]ans ,heal?      
,adm9i/ration 7subject to ! availability
 ( appropriat$ funds = su* purpose & o!r
 qualifications e/abli%$ 9 accordance ) 
section #gdjb ( ?is title74  7#b7 ,!    
recipi5t's agreem5t-- 7,a7 to accept !  
fell[%ip2  7,b7 aft] completion ( !     
fell[%ip1 to s]ve z a full-"t employee 9
 ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration or ! 
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration = at lea/ 
two ye>s z specifi$ 9 ! agreem5t2 &     
7,c7 t1 dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on !
 la/ day ( ! fell[%ip1 ! recipi5t w n   
accept employm5t 9 ! same indu/ry z !   
indu/ry ( ! private entity at :i* !     
recipi5t accepts ! fell[%ip4  7#c7 ,a   
provision t any f9ancial obligation ( ! 
,unit$ ,/ates aris+ out ( an agreem5t   
ent]$ into "u ?is sub*apt]1 & any       
obligation ( ! recipi5t :i* is          
condition$ on su* agreem5t1 is cont+5t  
^u funds be+ appropriat$ = educational  
assi/ance "u ?is sub*apt]4  7#d7 ,a     

/atem5t ( ! damages to :i* ! ,unit$     
,/ates is entitl$ "u ?is sub*apt] = !   
recipi5t's brea* ( ! agreem5t4  7#e7    
,su* o!r t]ms z ! ,secret>y det]m9es are
 requir$ to be includ$ 9 ! agreem5t4    
7f7 ,treatm5t ( recipi5ts ,! recipi5t ( 
a fell[%ip "u ?is section %all be       
consid]$ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t = all
 purposes1 includ+ = purposes ( receiv+ 
a sal>y & b5efits1 & %all rema9 eligible
 = all promotion & inc5tive programs    
o!rwise available to su* an employee4   
7g7 ,report to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #fj
 days aft] complet+ a fell[%ip "u ?is   
section1 a recipi5t ( ! fell[%ip %all   
submit to ! ,secret>y a report on !     
fell[%ip4 ,ea* su* report %all describe 
! duties ( ! recipi5t dur+ ! fell[%ip & 
any recomm5dations ( ! recipi5t = !     
application ( indu/ry processes1        
te*nologies1 & be/ practices4 ,n lat]   
?an sev5 days aft] receiv+ ea* su*      
report1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to !    
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives su*    

report )\t *ange4  7h7 ,private-,sector 
entity def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m      
private-sector entity includes an entity
 op]at+ "u a public-private p>tn]%ip4  4
  7b7 ,deadl9e = implem5tation ,n lat]  
?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( 
?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs %all implem5t ! ,executive     
,managem5t ,fell[%ip ,program requir$ "u
 section #gba ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a74  7c7  
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by add+ at
 ! end ! foll[+ new items3  ,sub*apt]   
,,ii--,executive ,managem5t ,fell[%ip   
,program #gba4 ,executive ,managem5t    
,fell[%ip ,program4  4  #f4             
,acc\ntability ( lead]s = manag+ !      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$     
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft]   
section #gji ! foll[+ new section3      
#gji;,a4 ,annual p]=mance plan =        
political appo9tees  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!    
,secret>y %all conduct an annual        

p]=mance plan = ea* political appo9tee (
 ! ,dep>tm5t t is simil> to ! annual    
p]=mance plan conduct$ = an employee ( !
 ,dep>tm5t :o is appo9t$ z a c>e]       
appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section    
#cacb7;a77#d7 ( title #e7 )9 ! ,s5ior   
,executive ,s]vice at ! ,dep>tm5t4  7b7 
,elem5ts ( plan ,ea* annual p]=mance    
plan conduct$ "u subsection 7a7 )       
respect to a political appo9tee ( !     
,dep>tm5t %all include an assessm5t (   
:e!r ! appo9tee is meet+ ! foll[+ goals3
  7#a7 ,recruit+1 select+1 & reta9+     
well-qualifi$ individuals = employm5t at
 ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,engag+ & motivat+  
employees4  7#c7 ,tra9+ & develop+      
employees & prep>+ ^? employees = future
 lead]%ip roles )9 ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#d7   
,hold+ ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t t is a
 manag] acc\ntable = address+ issues    
relat+ to p]=mance1 9 p>ticul> issues   
relat+ to ! p]=mance ( employees t      
report to ! manag]4  7c7 ,def9ition (   
political appo9tee ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m
 political appo9tee means an employee ( 

! ,dep>tm5t :o holds-- 7#a7 a position  
:i* has be5 except$ f ! competitive     
s]vice by reason ( its confid5tial1     
policy-det]m9+1 policy-mak+1 or         
policy-advocat+ "*2 or  7#b7 a position 
9 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice z a       
nonc>e] appo9tee 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9  
section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e74  4  7b7  
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$
 by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section
 #gji ! foll[+ new item3  #gji;,a4      
,annual p]=mance plan = political       
appo9tees4  4  #g4 ,modification to     
vet]ans pref]5ce  7a7 ,active duty      
requirem5t ,section #bajh7a77;,b7 & 7,d7
 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 are   
am5d$ by /rik+ consecutive 9 ea* in/ance
 x appe>s & ins]t+ cumulative4  7b7     
,expansion ( eligibility ( retir$       
vet]ans ,section #bajh7d7 ( title #e1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z 
foll[s3  7#d7 pref]5ce eligible includes
 a retir$ memb] ( ! arm$ =ces2 &  4  7c7
 ,vet]ans pref]5ce = ,,va s5ior         

executives  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,to ! greate/ 
ext5t practicable & not)/&+ ! matt]     
foll[+ subp>agraph 7,h7 ( section       
#bajh7c7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates      
,code1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  
%all give a hir+ pref]5ce to any        
pref]5ce eligible :5 select+ an         
individual = appo9tm5t to a s5ior       
executive position4  7#b7 ,def9itions ,=
 purposes ( ?is subsection-- 7,a7 ! t]m 
pref]5ce eligible has ! mean+ giv5 su*  
t]m 9 section #bajh7c7 ( title #e1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 &  7,b7 ! t]ms     
individual & s5ior executive position h 
! mean+ giv5 su* t]ms 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 &
 7#c71 respectively1 ( section #gac7;g7 
( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#c7 
,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #bajh7c7 (     
title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ 
9 ! matt] foll[+ subp>agraph 7,h7 by    
ins]t+ 7except z provid$ = "u section   
#h7;c7 ( ! ,to improve ! au?ority ( !   
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to hire & 
reta9 physicians & o!r employees ( !    
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 & = o!r  

purposes ,act ( #bjaf7 aft] memb]s (1 ! 
,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice4  #h4         
,reemploym5t ( =m] employees  7a7 ,9    
g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  
may noncompetitively appo9t a qualifi$  
=m] employee to any position )9 !       
competitive s]vice or any except$ s]vice
 position "u *apt] #gd ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 at ! ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs t is "o grade high]   
?an ! grade ( ! position at ! ,dep>tm5t 
mo/ rec5tly occupi$ by ! employee4  7b7 
,limitation ,! ,secret>y may n appo9t a 
qualifi$ =m] employee to a position t is
 m ?an "o grade 7or equival5t7 high] ?an
 ! position at ! ,dep>tm5t mo/ rec5tly  
occupi$ by ! employee4  7c7 ,def9ition (
 qualifi$ =m] employee ,= purposes ( ?is
 section1 ! t]m qualifi$ =m] employee   
means any individual :o-- 7#a7 =m]ly    
occupi$ any position at ! ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs )9 #b ye>s be=e apply+
 = reemploym5t at ! ,dep>tm5t2  7#b7    
volunt>ily left su* position1 or 0      
subject to a r$uction 9 =ce1 & _h a     

satisfactory p]=mance record :ile       
occupy+ su* position2 &  7#c7 s9ce leav+
 su* position has ma9ta9$ lic5s+        
requirem5ts1 relat$ to ! position1 if   
any1 & ga9$ skill1 k1 or o!r factors    
relat$ to ! position4  #i4 ,recruit+    
database  7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,! ,secret>y (
 ,vet]ans ,affairs %all e/abli% a s+le  
database t li/s ea* vacant position 9 ! 
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs t !       
,secret>y det]m9es is critical to !     
mission ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 difficult to     
fill1 or bo?4  7b7 ,qualifi$ applicant  
,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t an applicant 
= a vacant position li/$ 9 ! database   
e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7 is qualifi$ =
 su* position b does n select !         
applicant = su* position1 ! ,secret>y1  
at ! election ( ! applicant1 %all       
consid] ! applicant = o!r simil> vacant 
positions li/$ 9 ! database = :i* !     
applicant is qualifi$4  7c7 ,prolong$   
vacancies ,if ! ,secret>y does n fill a 
vacant position li/$ 9 ! database       
e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7 aft] a p]iod 

det]m9$ appropriate by ! ,secret>y1 !   
,secret>y--  7#a7 %all ensure t         
applicants describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 are
 consid]$ = su* position2 &  7#b7 %all  
use ! database e/abli%$ "u subsection   
7a7 to assi/ 9 fill+ su* position4  7d7 
,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date (
 ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all
 submit to ,congress a report on ! use &
 efficacy ( ! database e/abli%$ "u      
subsection 7a74  #aj4 ,human res\rces   
academy  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y (    
,vet]ans ,affairs %all provide to human 
res\rces pr(essionals ( ! ,vet]ans      
,heal? ,adm9i/ration ( ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs tra9+ on h[ to be/    
recruit & reta9 employees ( ! ,vet]ans  
,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ ) respect 
to any recruitm5t & ret5tion matt]s t   
are unique to ! ,vet]ans ,heal?         
,adm9i/ration pursuant to *apt] #gd (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or o!r  
provisions ( law4 ,! ,secret>y %all     
provide su* tra9+ 9 a mann] t !         
,secret>y det]m9es appropriate 9 light (

 budget1 travel1 & o!r con/ra9ts4  7b7  
,am\nt ( tra9+ ,! ,secret>y %all ensure 
t ea* human res\rces pr(essional ( !    
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration receives !
 tra9+ describ$ 9 subsection 7a7--  7#a7
 z soon z practicable aft] be+ hir$ by !
 ,secret>y z a human res\rce            
pr(essional2 &  7#b7 annually !reaft]4  
7c7 ,c]tification ,! ,secret>y %all     
require t ea* human res\rces pr(essional
 ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ^u !
 completion ( ! tra9+ describ$ 9        
subsection 7a71 c]tifies t ! pr(essional
 receiv$ ! tra9+ & und]/&s ! in=mation  
provid$ by ! tra9+4  7d7 ,annual report 
,! ,secret>y %all submit to !           
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate an   
annual report on ! tra9+ describ$ 9     
subsection 7a71 includ+ ! co/ ( provid+ 
su* tra9+ & ! numb] ( human res\rces    
pr(essionals :o receiv$ su* tra9+ dur+ !
 ye> cov]$ by ! report4  #aa4           
,promotional opportunities = te*nical   
exp]ts ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( 

! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (    
,vet]ans ,affairs %all e/abli% a        
promotional track sy/em = employees ( ! 
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs t !       
,secret>y det]m9es are te*nical exp]ts  
pursuant to regulations prescrib$ by !  
,secret>y = purposes ( c>ry+ out ?is    
section4 ,su* sy/em %all--  7#a7 provide
 any su* employee ! opportunity to      
advance )9 ! ,dep>tm5t )\t be+ requir$  
to transition to a managem5t position2 &
  7#b7 = purposes ( a*iev+ c>e]         
advancem5t-- 7,a7 provide = ! e/abli%m5t
 ( new positions )9 ! ,dep>tm5t2 &  7,b7
 not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1       
provide = increases 9 pay = any su*     
employee4  #ab4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al /udy 
on succession plann+  7a7 ,/udy ,!      
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
%all conduct a /udy on ea* ( ! foll[+3  
7#a7 ,! succession plann+ at ea* m$ical 
facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs4  7#b7 ,! succession plann+ at 
! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & !   
,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration ( !    

,dep>tm5t4  7b7 ,elem5ts ,! /udy "u     
subsection 7a7 %all include1 = ea*      
entity /udi$ "u ! /udy1 ! foll[+3  7#a7 
,a det]m9ation ( ! mission-critical     
positions )9 ! entity & ! vacancy risk (
 su* positions4  7#b7 ,an analysis ( !  
future ne$s = mission-critical positions
 & gaps )9 ! exi/+ tal5t pool ( !       
entity4  7#c7 ,a description ( /rategies
 to close skill gaps ?r\gh ! use ( tra9+
 = exi/+ /aff1 t>get$ recruitm5t1 &     
hir+4  7#d7 ,a plan to regul>ly evaluate
 progress ( /aff & update exi/+         
succession plans us+ cle> & measurable  
metrics & b5*m>ks4  7#e7 ,a demon/ration
 ( ! capacity ( ! entity to execute     
succession plans ) successful succession
 managem5t /rategies4  7#f7 ,any o!r    
matt]s ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al det]m9es    
appropriate4  7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o
 ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit  
to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs (
 ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a 
report conta9+ ea* /udy conduct$ "u     

subsection 7a74  #ac4 ,in=mation on hir+
 effectiv5ess  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y
 ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all measure &     
collect in=mation on indicators ( hir+  
effectiv5ess z foll[s3  7#a7 ,) respect 
to recruit+ & hir+-- 7,a7 ! ability to  
rea* & recruit well-qualifi$ tal5t f    
div]se tal5t pools1 includ+ s\rces (    
c&idates = mission-critical occupations2
  7,b7 ! use & impact ( special hir+    
au?orities & flexibilities to recruit   
mo/ qualifi$ applicants1 includ+ ! use (
 /ud5t int]n%ips z a tal5t pool =       
p]man5t hires2  7,c7 ! use & impact (   
special hir+ au?orities & flexibilities 
to recruit div]se c&idates1 includ+     
vet]an1 m9ority & disabl$ c&idates2     
7,d7 ! use & impact ( special hir+      
au?orities & flexibilities to recruit   
c&idates = mission-critical occupations 
& occupations ) %ortages2  7,e7 ! age1  
educational level1 & s\rce ( applicants2
  7,f7 ! l5g? ( "t betwe5 ! date on :i* 
a position is adv]tis$ & ! date on :i* a
 fir/ (f] ( employm5t is made2  7,g7 !  

l5g? ( "t betwe5 ! date on :i* a fir/   
(f] ( employm5t = a position is made & !
 date on :i* a new hire />ts 9 t        
position2  7,h7 ! numb] ( int]nal &     
ext]nal applicants = positions2 &  7,i7 
! numb] ( (f]s accept$ comp>$ to ! numb]
 ( (f]s made = p]man5t positions4  7#b7 
,) respect to ! hir+ au?ority-- 7,a7 !  
satisfaction ( ! hir+ au?ority )--  7i7 
! quality ( new hires2  7ii7 ! mat*     
betwe5 ! skills ( newly hir$ individuals
 & ! ne$s ( ! ,dep>tm5t2  7iii7 ! hir+  
process & hir+ outcomes aft] ! fir/ ye> 
( ! employm5t ( a new hire2 &  7iv7 !   
l5g? ( "t t elapses to fill a position &
 = a new hire to beg9 work+ 9 a new     
position2 &  7,b7 mission-critical      
defici5cies fill$ by new hires & !      
connection betwe5 mission-critical      
defici5cies & annual ag5cy p]=mance4    
7#c7 ,satisfaction ( employm5t          
applicants ) ! hir+ process1 includ+ )  
respect to ! cl>ity ( job ann\ncem5t1   
reasons = )drawal ( applications1       
us]-fri5dl9ess ( ! application process1 

communication reg>d+ /atus (            
application1 & timel9ess ( hir+         
decision4  7#d7 ,) respect to a newly   
hir$ employee-- 7,a7 ! satisfaction ( ! 
employee ) ! hir+ process z describ$ 9  
p>agraph 7#c72  7,b7 ! satisfaction ) ! 
process ( jo9+ & becom+ ori5t$ ) !      
,dep>tm5t1 includ+ ) respect to !       
timel9ess ( su* process aft] ! hir+     
decision1 ! ori5tation process1 & be+   
provid$ ) timely & useful new employee  
in=mation & assi/ance aft] ! hire is    
made b be=e ! new hire />ts 9 t position
 & aft] ! new hire has begun2  7,c7     
attrition & reasons = leav+2  7,d7      
inve/m5t 9 tra9+ & developm5t = !       
employee dur+ ! fir/ ye> ( employm5t2 & 
7,e7 significant b>ri]s to ! effective  
recruitm5t1 selection1 jo9+ & becom+    
ori5t$ ) ! ,dep>tm5t1 & ret5tion (      
employees4  7b7 ,disaggregation ( data  
,to ! ext5t practicable & 9 a mann] :i* 
protects p]sonally id5tifiable in=mation
 ( applicants & employees1 ! ,secret>y  
%all collect & report data collect$ "u  

subsection 7a7 disaggregat$ by facility 
or ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4
  7c7 ,reports  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,on an    
annual basis1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to
 ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !
 ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a   
report ( ! in=mation collect$ "u        
subsection 7a74  7#b7 ,availability (   
recruit+ & hir+ in=mation ,on an annual 
basis1 ! ,secret>y %all make publicly   
available ! in=mation collect$ "u       
subsection 7a7 9 a consi/5t &           
ma*9e-readable =mat to all[ = a         
comp>ison ( hir+ effectiv5ess & exp]i5ce
 by ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network
 or comp>able public or private sector  
organization4  #ad4 ,employm5t ( /ud5ts 
& rec5t graduates  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!      
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
prescribe regulations to all[ = except$ 
s]vice appo9tm5ts ( /ud5ts & rec5t      
graduates lead+ to conv]sion to c>e] or 
c>e] conditional employm5t ( a /ud5t or 
rec5t graduate ( a qualify+ educational 
in/itution1 z def9$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4  7b7

 ,applicability ,! conv]sion au?ority   
describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 %all be       
applicable to individuals 9 good /&+    
:o--  7#a7 are employ$ 9 a qualify+     
int]n%ip or fell[%ip program at !       
,dep>tm5t2  7#b7 are employ$ 9 !        
,dep>tm5t 9 a volunte] capacity & p]=m+ 
sub/antive duties comp>able to ^? (     
individuals 9 int]n%ip or fell[%ip      
programs & meet ! requir$ numb] ( h\rs =
 conv]sion2 or  7#c7 are employ$ 9 !    
,dep>tm5t "u a contract or agreem5t ) an
 ext]nal nonpr(it organization & p]=m+  
sub/antive duties comp>able to ^? (     
individuals 9 int]n%ip or fell[%ip      
programs4  7c7 ,uni=mity ,= ! purposes (
 subsections 7b77#b7 & 7b77#c71 h\rs (  
"w p]=m$ by an individual employ$ %all  
be consid]$ equal to ^? p]=m$ by an     
individual employ$ 9 a qualify+ int]n%ip
 or fell[%ip program by ! ,dep>tm5t4    
#ae4 ,exit surveys  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
develop & c>ry out a /&>diz$ exit survey
 to be volunt>ily complet$ by c>e] &    

nonc>e] employees & executives ( !      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o        
volunt>ily sep>ate f ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,su*  
exit survey %all be develop$ 9          
consultation ) an appropriate           
non-,dep>tm5t entity ) exp]i5ce develop+
 su* surveys4  7b7 ,survey cont5t ,!    
survey %all include1 at a m9imum-- 7#a7 
reasons = leav+ ! ,dep>tm5t2  7#b7 ef=ts
 made by ! sup]visor ( ! employee to    
reta9 ! individual2  7#c7 ! ext5t ( job 
satisfaction & engagem5t dur+ !         
employm5t2  7#d7 ! int5t ( employee to  
ei!r rema9 employ$ )9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t
 or to leave employm5t ) ! ,f$]al       
,gov]nm5t2 &  7#e7 su* o!r matt]s z !   
,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4  7c7    
,anonymity ( survey cont5t ,! ,secret>y 
%all ensure t1 to ! ext5t possible1 data
 collect$ "u subsection 7a7 is anonymiz$
 & p]sonally id5tifiable in=mation is   
remov$4  7d7 ,%>+ ( survey data ,!      
,secret>y %all ensure t ! results ( !   
survey requir$ by subsection 7a7 are %>$
 on an annual basis ) directors &       

manag]s ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t & !  
,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4  
7e7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] !   
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & annually
 !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to !  
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a    
report conta9+ ! aggregate results ( !  
exit survey "u subsection 7a7 cov]+ !   
ye> prior to ! report4 ,! report %all   
include--  7#a7 an analysis ( ! mo/     
common reasons employees *oose to leave 
! ,dep>tm5t2  7#b7 /eps ! ,secret>y is  
tak+ to improve ret5tion1 p>ticul>ly =  
mission-critical occupations2  7#c7 !   
demographic *>act]i/ics ( employees     
*oos+ to leave ! ,dep>tm5t2  7#d7 any   
legislative b>ri]s to improv+ employee  
ret5tion2 &  7#e7 ! numb] ( employees :o
 took ! exit survey "u subsection 7a74