#aae? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,9 !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 ,u4 ,s41  ,july
 #bh1 #bjag  ,,am5dm5ts3  ,t ! bill f ! 
,s5ate 7,s4 #aad7 entitl$ ,an ,act to   
am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to 
require ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
to submit an annual report reg>d+       
p]=mance aw>ds & bonuses aw>d$ to c]ta9 
high-level employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs41 d pass ) ! foll[+   
,/rike out all aft] ! enact+ clause &   
ins]t3  #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts
  7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ 
z ! ,,va ,*oice & ,quality ,employm5t   
,act ( #bjag4  7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,!  
table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 
,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4 
,title ,i--,appropriation ( am\nts =    
,vet]ans ,*oice ,program ,sec4 #aja4    
,appropriation ( am\nts = ,vet]ans      
,*oice ,program4 ,title ,,ii--,p]sonnel 
matt]s ,sec4 #bja4 ,modification to     
annual det]m9ation ( /aff+ %ortages 9   
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 ,sec4    
#bjb4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans

 ,affairs ,executive ,managem5t         
,fell[%ip ,program4 ,sec4 #bjc4         
,acc\ntability ( lead]s = manag+ !      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4    
#bjd4 ,reemploym5t ( =m] employees at   
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4    
#bje4 ,promotional opportunities =      
te*nical exp]ts at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,employm5t (      
/ud5ts & rec5t graduates by ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bjg4          
,enc\ragem5t ( transition ( milit>y     
m$ical pr(essionals into employm5t )    
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 ,sec4    
#bjh4 ,recruit+ database at ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,tra9+ = 
human res\rces pr(essionals ( ,vet]ans  
,heal? ,adm9i/ration on recruitm5t &    
ret5tion4 ,sec4 #baj4 ,plan to hire     
directors ( m$ical c5t]s ( ,dep>tm5t (  
,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #baa4 ,exit    
surveys at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans         
,affairs4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,requirem5t t     
physician assi/ants employ$ by !        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs receive   

competitive pay4 ,sec4 #bac4 ,expansion 
( direct-hir+ au?ority = ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs 9 case ( %ortage (    
highly qualifi$ c&idates4 ,sec4 #bad4   
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
assessm5t ( succession plann+ at        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,title   
,,iii--,major m$ical facility leases    
,sec4 #cja4 ,au?orization ( c]ta9 major 
m$ical facility leases ( ! ,dep>tm5t (  
,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #cjb4          
,au?orization ( appropriations = m$ical 
facility leases4 ,title ,,iv--,o!r      
matt]s ,sec4 #dja4 ,ext5sion ( r$uction 
9 am\nt ( p5sion furni%$ by ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs = c]ta9 vet]ans cov]$ 
by m$icaid plans = s]vices furni%$ by   
nurs+ facilities4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,ext5sion 
( requirem5t = collection ( fees = h\s+ 
loans gu>ante$ by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans  
,affairs4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,ext5sion (       
au?ority to use income in=mation4  ,i   
,appropriation ( am\nts = ,vet]ans      
,*oice ,program  #aja4 ,appropriation ( 
am\nts = ,vet]ans ,*oice ,program  7a7  

,9 g5]al ,!re is au?oriz$ to be         
appropriat$1 & is appropriat$1 to !     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 out ( any
 funds 9 ! ,treasury n o!rwise          
appropriat$1 #b1ajj1jjj1jjj to be       
deposit$ 9 ! ,vet]ans ,*oice ,fund "u   
section #hjb ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1      
,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad   
7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4   
#agja note74  7b7 ,availability ,! am\nt
 appropriat$ "u subsection 7a7 %all     
rema9 available until exp5d$4  ,,ii     
,p]sonnel matt]s  #bja4 ,modification to
 annual det]m9ation ( /aff+ %ortages 9  
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration ,section  
#gdab7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ! five  
occupations & ins]t+ at a m9imum1 ! five
 cl9ical occupations & ! five noncl9ical
 occupations2 &  7#b7 by /rik+ ?r\gh\t !
 ,dep>tm5t & ins]t+ ) respect to ea*    
m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t14  #bjb4      
,e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs ,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  ,,iii ,executive ,managem5t  
,fell[%ip ,program  #gda4 ,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-- 7#a7 eligible employees ( 
! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & !   
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration ) tra9+ & 
exp]i5ce 9 ! private sector2 &  7#b7    
eligible employees ( a private-sector   
entity ) tra9+ & exp]i5ce 9 ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs4  7b7 ,fell[%ip     
7#a7 ,a fell[%ip provid$ "u ?is section 
is a #a-ye> fell[%ip dur+ :i*--  7,a7 ) 
respect to a ,dep>tm5t p>ticipant1 !    
p>ticipant receives tra9+ & exp]i5ce 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>y2 &  7,b7 ) respect to a 
private-sector p>ticipant1 ! p>ticipant 
receives tra9+ & exp]i5ce at ! ,vet]ans 

,b5efits ,adm9i/ration or ! ,vet]ans    
,heal? ,adm9i/ration4  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  7#a7 ,9 ,augu/ ( ea* ye>1 
! ,secret>y %all select--  7,a7 n few]  
?an #ah & n m ?an #cj eligible employees
 ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & !
 ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration to       
receive a fell[%ip "u ?is section2 &    
7,b7 n few] ?an #ah & n m ?an #cj       
eligible employees ( private-sector     
entities to receive a fell[%ip "u ?is   
section4  7#b7 ,to ! ext5t practicable1 
! ,secret>y %all select eligible        
employees "u subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 ( 
p>agraph 7#a7 f among eligible employees
 :o are vet]ans 9 a mann] t is          
reflective ( ! demographics ( ! vet]an  
population ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates & t :5ev]  
practicable provides a pref]5ce to su*  
employees :o repres5t or s]vice rural   
areas4  7d7 ,eligible employees ,= !    
purposes ( ?is section1 an eligible     

employee is--  7#a7 ) respect to an     
employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits          
,adm9i/ration or ! ,vet]ans ,heal?      
,adm9i/ration1 an employee :o-- 7,a7 is 
comp5sat$ at a rate ( basic pay n less  
?an ! m9imum rate ( basic pay payable = 
grade ,,gs-#ad ( ! ,g5]al ,s*$ule & n m 
?an ei!r ! m9imum rate ( basic pay      
payable to a memb] ( ! ,s5ior ,executive
 ,s]vice "u section #echb ( title #e or 
! m9imum rate ( basic pay payable       
pursuant to *apt] #gd ( ?is title1 z !  
case may be2  7,b7 ent]s into an        
agreem5t ) ! ,secret>y "u subsection    
7e72 &  7,c7 submits to ! ,secret>y an  
application conta9+ su* in=mation &     
assurances z ! ,secret>y may require2 & 
7#b7 ) respect to an employee ( a       
private-sector entity1 an employee :o-- 
7,a7 is employ$ 9 a position ^: duties &
 responsibilities are comm5surate ) an  
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t describ$ 9       
p>agraph 7#a72  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  7#a7 ,an agreem5t betwe5
 ! ,secret>y & a ,dep>tm5t p>ticipant   
%all be 9 writ+1 %all be sign$ by !     
p>ticipant1 & %all include ! foll[+     
provisions3 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y's agreem5t
 to provide ! p>ticipant ) a fell[%ip "u
 ?is section2  7,b7 ,! p>ticipant's     
agreem5t-- 7i7 to accept ! fell[%ip2    
7ii7 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/ #b ye>s z
 specifi$ 9 ! agreem5t2 &  7iii7 t1 dur+
 ! #b-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! la/ day ( ! 
fell[%ip1 ! p>ticipant w n accept       
employm5t 9 ! same indu/ry z ! indu/ry (
 ! private-sector entity at :i* !       
p>ticipant 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 ( ! p>ticipant :i* is        
condition$ on su* agreem5t1 is cont+5t  

^u funds be+ appropriat$4  7,d7 ,a      
/atem5t ( ! damages to :i* ! ,unit$     
,/ates is entitl$ "u ?is sub*apt] = !   
p>ticipant's brea* ( ! agreem5t4  7,e7  
,su* o!r t]ms z ! ,secret>y det]m9es are
 requir$ to be includ$ 9 ! agreem5t4    
7#b7 ,an agreem5t betwe5 ! ,secret>y & a
 private-sector p>ticipant %all be 9    
writ+1 %all be sign$ by ! p>ticipant1 & 
%all include ! foll[+ provisions3  7,a7 
,! ,secret>y's agreem5t to provide !    
p>ticipant ) a fell[%ip "u ?is section4 
7,b7 ,! p>ticipant's agreem5t to accept 
! fell[%ip4  7,c7 ,su* o!r t]ms z !     
,secret>y det]m9es are requir$ to be    
includ$ 9 ! agreem5t4  7f7 ,treatm5t (  
recipi5ts  7#a7 ,a ,dep>tm5t p>ticipant 
%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  7#b7 ,a private-sector
 p>ticipant %all be consid]$ an employee
 ( ! private-sector entity t employs !  

p>ticipant = all purposes1 includ+ =    
purposes ( receiv+ a sal>y & b5efits1 & 
dur+ ! fell[%ip %all be treat$ z a      
contractor ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7g7 ,reports 
7#a7 ,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  7#b7 ,ea* su*    
report %all describe ! duties ( !       
recipi5t dur+ ! fell[%ip & any          
recomm5dations ( ! recipi5t = !         
application by ! ,secret>y ( indu/ry    
processes1 te*nologies1 & be/ practices4
  7#c7 ,n lat] ?an #g 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 ,def9itions ,9   
?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m ,dep>tm5t      
p>ticipant means an employee ( !        
,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration or !    
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration :o is     
p>ticipat+ 9 ! fell[%ip "u ?is section4 
7#b7 ,! t]m private-sector entity       
includes an entity op]at+ "u a          

public-private p>tn]%ip4  7#c7 ,! t]m   
private-sector p>ticipant means an      
employee ( a private-sector entity :o is
 p>ticipat+ 9 ! fell[%ip "u ?is section4
  4  7b7 ,deadl9e = implem5tation ,n    
lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs %all implem5t ! ,executive     
,managem5t ,fell[%ip ,program requir$ "u
 section #gda ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a74  7c7  
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ 
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end 
! foll[+ new items3  ,sub*apt]          
,,iii--,executive ,managem5t ,fell[%ip  
,program #gda4 ,executive ,managem5t    
,fell[%ip ,program4  4  #bjc4           
,acc\ntability ( lead]s = manag+ !      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title   
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3     
#gbe4 ,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;a7 ( 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
 #gbc ! foll[+ new item3  #gbe4 ,annual 
p]=mance plan = political appo9tees4  4 
#bjd4 ,reemploym5t ( =m] employees at   
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,not)/&+ sections #ccji ?r\gh     
#ccah ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 !
 ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs may      
noncompetitively appo9t a qualifi$ =m]  
c>e] or c>e] conditional employee to any
 position )9 ! competitive s]vice at !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs t is "o   
grade or equival5t high] ?an ! grade or 
equival5t ( ! 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 c>e] or c>e] conditional    
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  #bje4            
,promotional opportunities = te*nical   
exp]ts at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
,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  #bjf4          
,employm5t ( /ud5ts & rec5t graduates by
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  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  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      
programs2  7#d7 h receiv$ educational   
assi/ance "u *apt] #cc ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 or  7#e7 graduat$ f
 a qualify+ educational in/itution1 z   
def9$ by ! ,dep>tm5t1 & h n rea*$ #cj   
ye>s ( age4  7c7 ,uni=mity ,= ! purposes
 ( p>agraphs 7#b7 & 7#c7 ( subsection   
7b71 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  #bjg4 ,enc\ragem5t (     
transition ( milit>y m$ical pr(essionals
 into employm5t ) ,vet]ans ,heal?       
,adm9i/ration ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs %all e/abli% a program to      
enc\rage an individual :o s]ves 9 !     
,arm$ ,=ces ) a milit>y occupational    
specialty relat+ to ! provision ( heal? 
c>e to seek employm5t ) ! ,vet]ans      
,heal? ,adm9i/ration :5 ! individual has
 be5 dis*>g$ or releas$ f s]vice 9 !    
,arm$ ,=ces or is contemplat+ sep>at+ f 
su* s]vice4  #bjh4 ,recruit+ database at
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7     
,e/abli%m5t ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs %all e/abli% a s+le database t 
li/s--  7#a7 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?2 &  7#b7 ea* vacant        
position 9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs = a m5tal heal? pr(essional4   
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 may 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 may      
ensure t applicants describ$ 9          
subsection 7b7 are consid]$ = su*       
position2 &  7#b7 may 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 
#bji4 ,tra9+ = human res\rces           
pr(essionals ( ,vet]ans ,heal?          
,adm9i/ration on recruitm5t & ret5tion  
7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans    

,affairs %all provide to human res\rces 
pr(essionals ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?        
,adm9i/ration 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  7b7 ,virtual tra9+   
,tra9+ provid$ "u ?is section %all be   
provid$ virtually4  7c7 ,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\rces pr(essional2 &  7#b7
 annually !reaft]4  7d7 ,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  7e7 ,annual report ,n less      
frequ5tly ?an annually1 ! ,secret>y %all
 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives a 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     
#baj4 ,plan to hire directors ( m$ical  
c5t]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs   
7a7 ,plan ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] !  
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !         
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
develop & implem5t a plan to hire highly
 qualifi$ directors = ea* m$ical c5t] ( 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs t lacks 
a p]man5t director z ( ! date ( ! plan4 
7b7 ,priority ,! ,secret>y %all         
prioritize "u ! plan develop$ "u        
subsection 7a7 ! hir+ ( directors =     
m$ical c5t]s t h n _h a p]man5t director
 = ! longe/ p]iods4  7c7 ,matt]s includ$
 ,! plan develop$ "u subsection 7a7 %all

 include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,a deadl9e to   
hire directors ( m$ical c5t]s ( !       
,dep>tm5t z describ$ 9 su* subsection4  
7#b7 ,id5tification ( ! possible        
imp$im5ts to su* hir+4  7#c7            
,id5tification ( opportunities to       
promote & tra9 c&idates f )9 ! ,dep>tm5t
 to s5ior executive positions 9 !       
,dep>tm5t1 includ+ z directors ( m$ical 
c5t]s4  7d7 ,submittal ( plan ,n lat]   
?an #abj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! 
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives !  
plan develop$ "u subsection 7a74  7e7   
,semiannual reports ,n lat] ?an #ahj    
days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act1 & n lat] ?an #ahj days !reaft]1 ! 
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on
 ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report conta9+
 a li/ ( ea* m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t t
 lacks a p]man5t director z ( ! date ( !

 report4  #baa4 ,exit surveys at        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,exit
 surveys requir$  7#a7 ,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  7#b7 
,consultation ,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     
m9imum1 ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,reasons = leav+ 
! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,ef=ts made by !     
sup]visor ( ! employee to reta9 !       
individual4  7#c7 ,! ext5t ( job        
satisfaction & engagem5t dur+ !         
employm5t4  7#d7 ,! int5t ( employee to 
ei!r rema9 employ$ )9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t
 or to leave employm5t ) ! ,f$]al       
,gov]nm5t4  7#e7 ,su* o!r matt]s z !    
,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4  7c7    
,anonymity ( survey cont5t ,! ,secret>y 

%all ensure t data collect$ "u          
subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 is anonymiz$1     
includ+ ?r\gh ! use ( a location t all[s
 = privacy2  7#b7 is n directly visible 
by ano!r employee2 &  7#c7 does n       
require ! dep>t+ employee to input any  
p]sonally id5tifiable data4  7d7 ,%>+ ( 
survey data ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t !
 results ( ! survey requir$ by          
subsection 7a7 are-- 7#a7 aggregat$ at !
 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network   
level2 &  7#b7 %>$ on an annual basis ) 
directors & manag]s ( facilities ( !    
,dep>tm5t & ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$       
,s]vice ,networks4  7e7 ,annual report  
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! 
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & n less   
frequ5tly ?an once ea* ye> !reaft]1 !   
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on
 ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report conta9+
 ! aggregate results ( ! exit survey "u 
subsection 7a7 cov]+ ! ye> prior to !   
report4  7#b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report      

submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include1 
= ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 ! foll[+3  
7,a7 ,an analysis ( ! mo/ common reasons
 employees *oose to leave ! ,dep>tm5t4  
7,b7 ,! /eps ! ,secret>y is tak+ to     
improve ret5tion1 p>ticul>ly =          
mission-critical occupations4  7,c7 ,!  
demographic *>act]i/ics ( employees     
*oos+ to leave ! ,dep>tm5t4  7,d7 ,any  
legislative b>ri]s to improv+ employee  
ret5tion4  7,e7 ,! total numb] (        
employees :o volunt>ily sep>at$ f !     
,dep>tm5t & ! numb] & p]c5tage ( :om    
took ! exit survey "u subsection 7a74   
#bab4 ,requirem5t t physician assi/ants 
employ$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs receive competitive pay        
,section #gdea7;a77#b7 ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by 
r$esignat+ subp>agraph 7,b7 z           
subp>agraph 7,c72  7#b7 by ins]t+ aft]  
subp>agraph 7,a7 ! foll[+ new           
subp>agraph 7,b73  7,b7 ,physician      
assi/ant4  2 &  7#c7 9 subp>agraph 7,c71
 z r$esignat$ by p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+

 & regi/]$ nurse & ins]t+ regi/]$ nurse1
 & physician assi/ant4  #bac4 ,expansion
 ( direct-hir+ au?ority = ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs 9 case ( %ortage (    
highly qualifi$ c&idates ,section       
#ccjd7;a77#c77;,b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ 7or1 ) 
respect to ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs1 t !re exi/s a sev]e %ortage ( 
highly qualifi$ c&idates7 aft] sev]e    
%ortage ( c&idates4  #bad4 ,comptroll]  
,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates assessm5t (    
succession plann+ at ,dep>tm5t (        
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,assessm5t  7#a7 
,9 g5]al ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates %all assess ! ext5t to :i*
 key succession plann+ policies &       
guidance at ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs1 includ+ ! ,vet]ans ,heal?     
,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits      
,adm9i/ration1 & ! ,national ,cemet]y   
,adm9i/ration1 are consi/5t ) lead+     
practices = succession & work=ce plann+ 
id5tifi$ by ,comptroll] ,g5]al4  7#b7   
,additional matt]s ,9 c>ry+ out !       

assessm5t requir$ by p>agraph 7#a71 !   
,comptroll] ,g5]al may assess su* o!r   
matt]s z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s  
appropriate4  7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an   
two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is 
,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit  
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( 
! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on ! assessm5t c>ri$ out "u      
subsection 7a74  7c7 ,s5se ( ,congress  
on /udy on compliance ) policies &      
guidance ,x is ! s5se ( ,congress t--   
7#a7 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %\ld conduct a
 /udy to exam9e ! ext5t to :i* a sampl+ 
( in/allations ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs are comply+ ) policies &       
guidance ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 z well z        
applicable lead+ practices2 &  7#b7 !   
scope & timeframe ( a /udy conduct$ z   
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 may be dep5d5t 
^u ! f9d+s ( ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al )     
respect to ! assessm5t c>ri$ out "u     
subsection 7a74  ,,iii ,major m$ical    
facility leases  #cja4 ,au?orization (  

c]ta9 major m$ical facility leases ( !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,!        
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs may c>ry  
out ! foll[+ major m$ical facility      
leases at ! locations specifi$ & 9 an   
am\nt = ea* lease n to exce$ ! am\nt    
specifi$ = su* location 7n includ+ any  
e/imat$ cancellation co/s73 7#a7 ,= a   
replacem5t outpati5t cl9ic1 ,ann ,arbor1
 ,mi*igan1 an am\nt n to exce$          
#d1bdg1jjj4  7#b7 ,= a new outpati5t    
m5tal heal? cl9ic1 ,birm+ham1 ,alabama1 
an am\nt n to exce$ #f1fdi1jjj4  7#c7 ,=
 new rese>* space1 ,bo/on1              
,massa*usetts1 an am\nt n to exce$      
#f1bbd1jjj4  7#d7 ,= a replacem5t rese>*
 space1 ,*>le/on1 ,s\? ,c>ol9a1 an am\nt
 n to exce$ #g1bgd1jjj4  7#e7 ,= a      
replacem5t outpati5t cl9ic1 ,corpus     
,*ri/i1 ,texas1 an am\nt n to exce$     
#f1eef1jjj4  7#f7 ,= a replacem5t       
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,daytona ,bea*1        
,florida1 an am\nt n to exce$           
#ab1aih1jjj4  7#g7 ,= a replacem5t ,*ief
 ,bus9ess ,(fice ,pur*as$ ,c>e (fice    

space1 ,d5v]1 ,colorado1 an am\nt n to  
exce$ #ad1ghd1jjj4  7#h7 ,= a replacem5t
 outpati5t cl9ic1 ,fr$]icksburg1        
,virg9ia1 an am\nt n to exce$           
#de1jae1jjj4  7#i7 ,= a new outpati5t   
cl9ic1 ,ga9esville1 ,florida1 an am\nt n
 to exce$ #g1hia1jjj4  7#aj7 ,= an      
outpati5t m5tal heal? cl9ic1            
,ga9esville1 ,florida1 an am\nt n to    
exce$ #d1cbj1jjj4  7#aa7 ,= a replacem5t
 outpati5t cl9ic1 ,hampton ,roads1      
,virg9ia1 an am\nt n to exce$           
#ah1ada1jjj4  7#ab7 ,= a replacem5t     
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,indianapolis1         
,indiana1 an am\nt n to exce$           
#g1hgf1jjj4  7#ac7 ,= a replacem5t      
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,jacksonville1         
,florida1 an am\nt n to exce$           
#ah1fbc1jjj4  7#ad7 ,= a replacem5t     
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,miss\la1 ,montana1 an 
am\nt n to exce$ #f1idb1jjj4  7#ae7 ,= a
 replacem5t outpati5t m5tal heal? cl9ic1
 ,nor!rn ,colorado1 ,colorado1 an am\nt 
n to exce$ #h1ijd1jjj4  7#af7 ,= a      
replacem5t outpati5t cl9ic1 ,ocala1     

,florida1 an am\nt n to exce$           
#e1jbf1jjj4  7#ag7 ,= a new outpati5t   
cl9ic1 ,oxn>d1 ,cali=nia1 an am\nt n to 
exce$ #e1bgd1jjj4  7#ah7 ,= a new       
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,pike ,c\nty1 ,georgia1
 an am\nt n to exce$ #e1efe1jjj4  7#ai7 
,= a new outpati5t cl9ic1 ,pittsburgh1  
,p5nsylvania1 an am\nt n to exce$       
#f1bdg1jjj4  7#bj7 ,= a replacem5t      
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,portl&1 ,ma9e1 an     
am\nt n to exce$ #f1hjh1jjj4  7#ba7 ,= a
 replacem5t outpati5t cl9ic1 ,raleigh1  
,nor? ,c>ol9a1 an am\nt n to exce$      
#ba1hgj1jjj4  7#bb7 ,= a replacem5t     
outpati5t cl9ic1 phase ,,ii1 ,ro*e/]1   
,new ,york1 an am\nt n to exce$         
#c1fde1jjj4  7#bc7 ,= a replacem5t      
rese>* space1 ,san ,diego1 ,cali=nia1 an
 am\nt n to exce$ #d1heb1jjj4  7#bd7 ,= 
a new outpati5t cl9ic1 ,santa ,rosa1    
,cali=nia1 an am\nt n to exce$          
#f1ibb1jjj4  7#be7 ,= a replacem5t m5tal
 heal? cl9ic1 ,tampa1 ,florida1 an am\nt
 n to exce$ #ac1chg1jjj4  7#bf7 ,= a    
replacem5t outpati5t cl9ic1 ,lakel&1    

,tampa1 ,florida1 an am\nt n to exce$   
#aj1gfj1jjj4  7#bg7 ,= a replacem5t     
outpati5t cl9ic1 ,t]re ,haute1 ,indiana1
 an am\nt n to exce$ #d1ajb1jjj4  7#bh7 
,= a replacem5t outpati5t cl9ic1 ,rapid 
,city1 ,s\? ,dakota1 an am\nt n to exce$
 #d1ecb1jjj4  #cjb4 ,au?orization (     
appropriations = m$ical facility leases 
,!re is au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to ! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = fiscal  
ye> #bjah or ! ye> 9 :i* funds are      
appropriat$ = ! ,m$ical ,facilities     
acc\nt #bgd1fcd1jjj = ! major m$ical    
facility leases au?oriz$ 9 section #cja4
  ,,iv ,o!r matt]s  #dja4 ,ext5sion (   
r$uction 9 am\nt ( p5sion furni%$ by    
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = c]ta9   
vet]ans cov]$ by m$icaid plans = s]vices
 furni%$ by nurs+ facilities ,section   
#eejc7;d77#g7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1
 #bjbd & ins]t+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg4   
#djb4 ,ext5sion ( requirem5t =          
collection ( fees = h\s+ loans gu>ante$ 
by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs        

,section #cgbi7;b77#b7 ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--  7#a7 9 
subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7iii71 
by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd & ins]t+  
,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2 &  7,b7 9 clause  
7iv71 by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd &   
ins]t+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2  7#b7 9    
subp>agraph 7,b7--  7,a7 9 clause 7i71  
by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd & ins]t+  
,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2 &  7,b7 9 clause  
7ii71 by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd &   
ins]t+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2  7#c7 9    
subp>agraph 7,c7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7i71 by
 /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd & ins]t+    
,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2 &  7,b7 9 clause  
7ii71 by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd &   
ins]t+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2 &  7#d7 9  
subp>agraph 7,d7--  7,a7 9 clause 7i71  
by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd & ins]t+  
,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg2 &  7,b7 9 clause  
7ii71 by /rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd &   
ins]t+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg4  #djc4     
,ext5sion ( au?ority to use income      
in=mation ,section #ecag7;g7 ( title    
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   

/rik+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbd & ins]t+     
,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg4  ,am5d ! title s z
 to read3 ,an ,act to au?orize          
appropriations & to appropriate am\nts =
 ! ,vet]ans ,*oice ,program ( !         
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 to       
improve hir+ au?orities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1  
to au?orize major m$ical facility       
leases1 & = o!r purposes44  ,cl]k4