,i #aag? ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #hjag ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,( ,,repres5tatives ,june #i1 #bjbb,mr4 ,pappas 7= himself & ,mr4 ,cl9e7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs1 & 9 addition to ! ,committees on ,ways & ,means1 & ,ov]sight & ,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 make c]ta9 improvem5ts to ! work=ce ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,,va ,work=ce ,inve/m5t & ,expansion ,act ( #bjbb4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,sec4 #b4 ,matt]s relat+ to am5dm5ts to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4,sec4 #c4 ,national rural recruitm5t & hir+ plan = ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4,sec4 #d4 ,au?ority to buy out s]vice contracts = c]ta9 heal? c>e pr(essionals 9 ex*ange = employm5t at rural or highly rural facilities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #e4 ,qualifications = human res\rces positions )9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & plan to recruit & reta9 human res\rces employees4,sec4 #f4 ,modification ( pay cap = c]ta9 employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4,sec4 #g4 ,expansion ( opportunities = h\sekeep+ aides4,sec4 #h4 ,modification ( au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to h\rs1 conditions ( employm5t1 & pay = c]ta9 employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4,sec4 #i4 ,waiv] ( pay limitation = c]ta9 employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #aj4 ,elim9ation ( limitation on aw>ds & bonus = employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #aa4 ,additional au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to recruitm5t & ret5tion ( p]sonnel4,sec4 #ab4 ,prescription ( m$ication by heal? c>e provid]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs via telem$ic9e4 #b4 ,matt]s relat+ to am5dm5ts to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7a7 ,ref]5ces ,except z o!rwise expressly provid$1 :5 9 ?is ,act an am5dm5t or repeal is express$ 9 t]ms ( an am5dm5t to1 or repeal (1 a section or o!r provision1 ! ref]5ce %all be consid]$ to be made to a section or o!r provision ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7b7 ,am5dm5ts to tables ( cont5ts ,except z o!rwise expressly provid$1 :5 an am5dm5t made by ?is ,act to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 adds a section or l>g] organizational unit to t title or am5ds ! designation or head+ ( a section or l>g] organizational unit 9 t title1 t am5dm5t also %all h ! effect ( am5d+ any table ( sections 9 t title to alt] ! table to con=m to ! *anges made by ! am5dm5t4 #c4 ,national rural recruitm5t & hir+ plan = ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 collaboration ) ! directors ( ea* community-bas$ outpati5t cl9ic & m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all develop & implem5t a national rural recruitm5t & hir+ plan = ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration to-- 7#a7 recruit heal? c>e pr(essionals = rural & highly rural community-bas$ outpati5t cl9ics & rural & highly rural m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7#b7 det]m9e :i* su* cl9ics or c5t]s h a /aff+ %ortage ( heal? c>e pr(essionals2 7#c7 develop be/ practices & te*niques = recruit+ heal? c>e pr(essionals = su* cl9ics & c5t]s2 7#d7 n less frequ5tly ?an annually1 provide virtually bas$1 on-dem& tra9+ to human res\rces pr(essionals ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration on ! be/ practices & te*niques develop$ "u p>agraph 7#c72 & 7#e7 provide recruitm5t res\rces1 su* z pamphlets & m>ket+ mat]ial to-- 7,a7 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 rural & highly rural community-bas$ outpati5t cl9ics ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7,c7 rural & highly rural m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7b7 ,annual report ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t includes-- 7#a7 ! plan develop$ & implem5t$ "u subsection 7a72 & 7#b7 an assessm5t ( ! outcomes relat$ to recruitm5t & ret5tion ( employees ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration at rural & highly rural facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms rural & highly rural h ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms "u ! rural-urban commut+ areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture4 #d4 ,au?ority to buy out s]vice contracts = c]ta9 heal? c>e pr(essionals 9 ex*ange = employm5t at rural or highly rural facilities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,= any cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional to :om ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs has (f]$ employm5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,secret>y may buy out ! non-,dep>tm5t s]vice contract ( su* individual 9 ex*ange = su* individual agree+ to be employ$ at a rural or highly rural facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t = a p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice specifi$ 9 subsection 7c74 7b7 ,paym5t ( am\nts 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,paym5t ( any am\nts = a buy out ( a s]vice contract = a cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional "u subsection 7a7 %all be made directly to ! individual or entity ) respect to :i* ! cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional has a s]vice obligation "u su* contract4 7#b7 ,limitation on total am\nt ,! total am\nt paid by ! ,dep>tm5t "u ?is section %all n exce$ #dj1jjj1jjj p] fiscal ye>4 7c7 ,obligat$ s]vice ,9 ex*ange = a contract buy out "u subsection 7a71 a cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional %all agree to be employ$ = n less ?an f\r ye>s at a rural or highly rural facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7d7 ,liability 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 if a cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional fails = any reason to complete ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice ( ! individual "u subsection 7c71 ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be entitl$ to recov] f ! individual an am\nt equal to-- 7,a7 ! total am\nt paid "u subsection 7a7 to buy out ! non-,dep>tm5t s]vice contract ( ! individual2 multipli$ by 7,b7 a fraction-- 7i7 ! num]ator ( :i* is-- 7,i7 ! total numb] ( mon?s 9 ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice ( ! individual2 m9us 7,,ii7 ! numb] ( mon?s s]v$ by ! individual2 & 7ii7 ! d5om9ator ( :i* is ! total numb] ( mon?s 9 ! p]iod ( obligat$ s]vice ( ! individual4 7#b7 ,exception ,liability %all n arise "u p>agraph 7#a7 9 ! case ( an individual cov]$ by t p>agraph if ! individual does n obta91 or fails to ma9ta91 employm5t z an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t due to /aff+ *anges approv$ by ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal?4 7e7 ,n a taxable b5efit ,a contract buy out = a cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional "u subsection 7a7 %all n be consid]$ a taxable b5efit or ev5t = ! cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional4 7f7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & n less frequ5tly ?an annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! use by ! ,secret>y ( ! au?ority "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,ea* report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( heal? c>e pr(essionals = :om a s]vice contract buy\t paym5t 0 made "u subsection 7a7 9 ! previ\s fiscal ye>1 disaggregat$ by occupation or specialty4 7,b7 ,! av]age1 highe/1 & l[e/ am\nt ( ! s]vice contract buy\t paym5ts made "u subsection 7a7 = ea* occupation or specialty 9 ! previ\s fiscal ye>4 7,c7 ,ea* location :]e contract buy\t au?ority "u subsection 7a7 0 utiliz$ & ! numb] ( cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essionals :o agre$ to be employ$ at su* location 9 ! previ\s fiscal ye>4 7g7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional means a physician1 nurse ane/heti/1 surgical physician assi/ant1 or nurse practition] (f]$ employm5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t reg>dless ( ! au?ority "u :i* su* employm5t is (f]$4 7#b7 ,! t]ms rural & highly rural h ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms "u ! rural-urban commut+ areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture4 7h7 ,sunset ,?is section %all t]m9ate on ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg4 #e4 ,qualifications = human res\rces positions )9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & plan to recruit & reta9 human res\rces employees 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ( qualifications ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all-- 7#a7 e/abli% qualifications = ea* human res\rces position )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 coord9ation ) ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t2 7#b7 e/abli% /&>diz$ p]=mance metrics = ea* su* position2 & 7#c7 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report conta9+ ! qualifications & /&>diz$ p]=mance metrics e/abli%$ "u p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b74 7b7 ,improvem5t ( human res\rces actions ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all e/abli% or enhance sy/ems ( ! ,dep>tm5t to monitor ! hir+ & o!r human res\rces actions t occur at ! local1 regional1 & national levels ( ! ,dep>tm5t to improve ! p]=mance ( ^? actions4 7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! e/abli%m5t ( ! qualifications & p]=mance metrics "u subsection 7a71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report conta9+-- 7#a7 a description ( ! implem5tation ( su* qualifications & p]=mance metrics2 7#b7 an assessm5t ( ! quality ( su* qualifications & p]=mance metrics2 7#c7 an assessm5t ( p]=mance & outcomes bas$ on su* metrics2 & 7#d7 su* o!r matt]s z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate4 7d7 ,plan ,to recruit & reta9 human res\rces employees ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a plan = ! recruitm5t & ret5tion ( human res\rces employees )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #f4 ,modification ( pay cap = c]ta9 employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gdee7;c7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ #cj p]c5t ins]t+ #ej p]c5t2 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ level ,,iv ins]t+ level ,,ii2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 7,a7 ,not)/&+ section #ecjd ( title #e or any o!r provision ( law1 b subject to ! limitation "u p>agraph 7#b71 pursuant to an increase "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y may pay a special rate or an adju/$ rate ( basic pay 9 excess ( ! rate ( basic pay payable = level ,,iv ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule4 7,b7 ,if an employee is 9 receipt ( a special rate ( pay "u subp>agraph 7,a7 9 excess ( ! rate ( basic pay payable = level ,,iv ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule ) an e/abli%$ special rate supplem5t ( great] value ?an a supplem5t bas$ on ! applicable locality-bas$ comp>ability paym5t p]c5tage "u section #ecjd ( title #e1 b a pay adju/m5t w\ld cause su* e/abli%$ special rate supplem5t to be ( less] value1 ! special rate supplem5t %all be conv]t$ to a supplem5t bas$ on ! applicable locality-bas$ comp>ability p]c5tage unless ! ,secret>y det]m9es t "s o!r action is appropriate4 4 7b7 ,pay = critical positions ,section #gdjd7;a77#a77;,b7 is am5d$ by ins]t+ #gcjf or be=e #gdja7d74 #g4 ,expansion ( opportunities = h\sekeep+ aides ,section #ccaj ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ 7o!r ?an = positions ( h\sekeep+ aides 9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs7 aft] competitive s]vice4 #h4 ,modification ( au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to h\rs1 conditions ( employm5t1 & pay = c]ta9 employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 7a7 ,expansion ( eligibility ( employees = c]ta9 aw>ds ,section #gdjd7;c7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ,not)/&+ & ins]t+ 7#a7 ,not)/&+2 7#b7 by ins]t+ or #gdja7d7 aft] section #gcjf2 7#c7 by /rik+ :o is n eligible = pay "u sub*apt] ,,iii & ins]t+ or 9 a cov]$ executive position "u section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title2 7#d7 by /rik+ sections #dejg & #echd & ins]t+ section #dejg2 & 7#e7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m cov]$ executive position means a position t ! ,secret>y has det]m9$ is ( equival5t rank to a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e7 & is subject to an ag5cy p]=mance managem5t sy/em4 4 7b7 ,au?ority = aw>ds programs ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #gd is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gdjd ! foll[+ new section3 #gdjd;,a4 ,aw>ds 7a7 ,sup]ior accompli%m5ts & p]=mance aw>ds program ,! ,secret>y may e/abli% an aw>ds program = p]sonnel li/$ 9 section #gdba7;b7 ( ?is title consi/5t ) *apt] #de ( title #e1 to ! ext5t practicable4 7b7 ,executive p]=mance aw>ds program ,not)/&+ section #gdbe ( ?is title or any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may e/abli% a p]=mance aw>ds program consi/5t ) section #echd ( title #e =-- 7#a7 p]sonnel appo9t$ "u section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title = a position t ! ,secret>y has det]m9$ is ( equival5t rank to a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e7 & is subject to an ag5cy p]=mance managem5t sy/em2 & 7#b7 p]sonnel appo9t$ "u section #gcjf or #gdja7d7 ( ?is title4 7c7 ,paym5t ( aw>ds ,aw>ds "u ?is section may be paid bas$ on crit]ia e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y & %all n be consid]$ 9 calculat+ ! limitation "u section #gdca7;e77#d7 ( ?is title4 7d7 ,n consid]$ basic pay ,aw>ds "u ?is section %all n be consid]$ basic pay = any purpose4 7e7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y may prescribe regulations = ! adm9i/ration ( ?is section4 4 7#b7 ,limitation on pa/ aw>ds ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 aw>ds made by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = any p]iod on or aft] ,janu>y #a1 #bjag1 & be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act = an employee "u section #gcjf or #gdja7d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or = a position describ$ 9 section #gdja7a7 ( su* title t ! ,secret>y has det]m9$ is ( equival5t rank to a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code71 may be subject to section #gdjd;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by p>agraph 7#a74 7c7 ,modification ( employees subject to regulation by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( h\rs & conditions ( employm5t & leaves ( abs5ce 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gdba is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ *apt] & ins]t+ title2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7b71 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#i7 ,any position = :i* ! employee is appo9t$ "u section #gcjf or #gdja7d7 ( ?is title4 4 7#b7 ,adm9i/ration ( full-"t employees ,section #gdbc is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a77#b71 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,d7 ,! ,secret>y may exclude f ! requirem5ts ( p>agraph 7#a7 employees hir$ "u section #gcjf or #gdja7d7 ( ?is title or = a position describ$ 9 section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title t ! ,secret>y has det]m9$ is ( equival5t rank to a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e74 2 & 7,b7 9 subsection 7e77#a71 by /rik+ #gdja7a7 & ins]t+ #gdba7;b74 7#c7 ,additional pay au?orities ,section #gdaj7;a7 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ,! ,secret>y & ins]t+ 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y2 7,b7 by /rik+ ! p]sonnel describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 ( section #gdja ( ?is title & ins]t+ p]sonnel appo9t$ "u section #gcjf ( ?is title or section #gdja7d7 ( ?is title1 or p]sonnel describ$ 9 section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title12 7,c7 by /rik+ 9 ! same mann]1 & subject to ! same limitations1 z 9 ! case ( & ins]t+ 9 a mann] consi/5t )2 & 7,d7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 ,paym5ts "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all n be consid]$ 9 calculat+ ! limitation "u section #gdca7;e77#d7 ( ?is title4 4 7#d7 ,treatm5t ( pay au?ority *anges ,= ! purposes ( ! am5dm5ts made by p>agraph 7#c71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all treat any aw>d or paym5t made by ! ,secret>y betwe5 ,janu>y #a1 #bjag1 & ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act to employees appo9t$ "u sections #gcjf1 #gdja7a71 & #gdja7d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 t ! ,secret>y has det]m9$ are ( equival5t rank to a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code71 z if su* am5dm5ts _h be5 9 effect at ! "t ( su* aw>d or paym5t4 7#e7 ,treatm5t ( prior leave balances ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may adju/ ! leave balance & c>ryov] leave balance ( any employee describ$ 9 section #gdba7;b77#i7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 to ensure any leave accru$ or c>ri$ ov] be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act rema9s available to su* employee4 7d7 ,treatm5t ( c]ta9 employees z appo9t$ "u section #gcjf ,section #gcjf is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a71 by r$esignat+ ! second p>agraph 7#aa7 z p>agraph 7#ab72 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7g7 ,= purposes ( apply+ any provision ( *apt] #gd ( ?is title1 includ+ sections #gdjd1 #gdaj1 & #gdba1 or any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may treat any appo9tm5t = a position "u ?is *apt] to be an appo9tm5t "u ?is section4 4 7e7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #gdca7;e77#d7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,9 no case & ins]t+ ,except z provid$ 9 sections #gdjd;,a7c7 & #gdaj7;a77#b7 ( ?is title1 9 no case4 #i4 ,waiv] ( pay limitation = c]ta9 employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gjc ! foll[+ new section3 #gjd4 ,waiv] ( pay limitation = c]ta9 employees 7a7 ,employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration impact$ by closure or realignm5t ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay = an employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration = ! cal5d> ye> dur+ :i*-- 7#a7 ! (ficial duty /ation ( ! employee is clos$2 or 7#b7 ! (fice1 facility1 activity1 or organization ( ! employee is realign$4 7b7 ,employees provid+ c>e to vet]ans expos$ to op5 burn pits 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay = an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ^: prim>y duties include provid+ exp&$ c>e = vet]ans expos$ to op5 burn pits4 7#b7 ,op5 burn pit def9$ ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m op5 burn pit has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #bja7;c7 ( ! ,dignifi$ ,burial & ,o!r ,vet]ans' ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjab 7,public ,law #aab-bfj2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ebg note74 7c7 ,coord9ation ) ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t ,9 implem5t+ ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all coord9ate ) ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t4 7d7 ,reports 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,= ea* qu>t] t ! ,secret>y waives a limitation "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 & ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t a report on ! waiv] or waiv]s4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 ) respect to a waiv] or waiv]s %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,:]e ! waiv] or waiv]s 7 us$1 includ+ 9 :i* compon5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t &1 z ! case may be1 :i* m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,= h[ _m employees ! waiv] or waiv]s 7 us$1 disaggregat$ by compon5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t &1 if applicable1 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,c7 ,! av]age am\nt by :i* ea* paym5t exce$$ ! pay limitation t 0 waiv$1 disaggregat$ by compon5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t &1 if applicable1 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7e7 ,employee def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m employee means any employee reg>dless ( ! au?ority "u :i* ! employee 0 hir$4 7f7 ,t]m9ation ,?is section %all t]m9ate on ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg4 4 #aj4 ,elim9ation ( limitation on aw>ds & bonus = employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gje7;a7 ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ p>agraph 7#c74 7b7 ,applicability ,subsection 7a7 %all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & apply z if su* subsection _h be5 enact$ on ,septemb] #cj1 #bjba4 #aa4 ,additional au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to recruitm5t & ret5tion ( p]sonnel ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gje ! foll[+ new section3 #gjf4 ,additional au?ority relat+ to recruitm5t & ret5tion ( p]sonnel 7a7 ,recruitm5t & relocation bonuses ,! ,secret>y may pay a recruitm5t or relocation bonus "u section #egec7;e7 ( title #e )\t reg>d to any requirem5ts = c]tification or approval "u t section4 7b7 ,ret5tion bonuses 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may pay a ret5tion bonus "u section #eged7;f7 ( title #e )\t reg>d to any requirem5t = c]tification or approval "u t subsection4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y may pay a ret5tion bonus z specifi$ 9 subsection 7e77#b7 ( section #eged ( title #e & may pay ! bonus z a s+le lump-sum paym5t at ! beg9n+ ( ! full p]iod ( s]vice requir$ by an agreem5t "u subsection 7d7 ( su* section4 7c7 ,m]it aw>ds ,! ,secret>y may grant a ca% aw>d "u section #dejb7;b7 ( title #e )\t reg>d to any requirem5t = c]tification or approval "u t section4 7d7 ,inc5tives = critical skills 7#a7 ,subject to ! provisions ( ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y may provide a critical skill inc5tive to an employee 9 a case 9 :i* ! ,secret>y det]m9es-- 7,a7 ! employee possesses a high-dem& skill or skill t is at a %ortage2 7,b7 su* skill is directly relat$ to ! duties & responsibilities ( ! employee's position2 & 7,c7 employm5t ( an individual ) su* skill 9 su* position s]ves a critical mission-relat$ ne$ ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,an inc5tive provid$ to an employee "u p>agraph 7#a7 may n to exce$ #be p]c5t ( ! basic pay ( ! employee4 7#c7 ,provision ( an inc5tive "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be cont+5t on ! employee ent]+ into a writt5 agreem5t to complete a p]iod ( employm5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#d7 ,an inc5tive provid$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all n be consid]$ basic pay = any purpose4 7#e7 ,! ,secret>y may prescribe conditions1 includ+ ) respect to eligibility1 & limitations on provision ( inc5tive "u p>agraph 7#a74 7#f7 ,inc5tive provid$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all n be includ$ 9 ! calculation ( total am\nt ( comp5sation "u section #gdca7;e77#d7 ( ?is title4 7e7 ,/ud5t loan repaym5ts 7#a7 ,subject to ! provisions ( ?is subsection1 ! ,secret>y may repay a /ud5t loan pursuant to section #ecgi7;b7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,p>agraph 7#b7 ( su* section %all n apply to paym5t "u ?is subsection4 7#c7 ,paym5t "u ?is subsection %all be made subject to su* t]ms1 limitations1 or conditions z may be mutually agre$ to by ! ,secret>y & ! employee conc]n$1 except t ! am\nt paid by ! ,secret>y "u ?is subsection may n exce$-- 7,a7 #dj1jjj = any employee 9 any cal5d> ye>2 or 7,b7 a total ( #ajj1jjj 9 ! case ( any employee4 7f7 ,exp$it$ hir+ au?ority = college graduates2 competitive s]vice 7#a7 ,subject to p>agraph 7#b7 ( ?is subsection1 ! ,secret>y may exp$ite hir+ = college graduates "u section #caae ( title #e )\t reg>d to subsection 7e7 ( su* section or any regulations prescrib$ by ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t = adm9i/ration ( su* subsection4 7#b7 ,! numb] ( employees ! ,secret>y may appo9t "u section #caae ( title #e may n exce$ ! numb] equal to #be p]c5t ( individuals t ! ,secret>y appo9t$ dur+ ! previ\s fiscal ye> to a position 9 ! competitive s]vice classifi$ 9 a pr(essional or adm9i/rative occupational category1 at ! ,,gs-#aa level1 or an equival5t level1 or bel[1 "u a competitive exam9+ proc$ure4 7g7 ,exp$it$ hir+ au?ority = po/-second>y /ud5ts2 competitive s]vice 7#a7 ,subject to p>agraph 7#b7 ( ?is subsection1 ! ,secret>y may exp$ite hir+ ( po/-second>y /ud5ts "u section #caaf ( title #e1 )\t reg>d to subsection 7d7 ( su* section or any regulations prescrib$ by ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t = adm9i/ration ( su* subsection4 7#b7 ,! numb] ( employees ! ,secret>y may appo9t "u section #caaf ( title #e may n exce$ ! numb] equal to #be p]c5t ( ! numb] ( /ud5ts t ! ,secret>y appo9t$ dur+ ! previ\s fiscal ye> to a position at ! ,,gs-#aa level1 or an equival5t level1 or bel[4 7h7 ,pay au?ority = critical positions 7#a7 ,subject to ! provisions ( ?is subsection1 ! ,secret>y may au?orize ! fix+ ( ! rate ( pay = a critical position 9 ! ,dep>tm5t consi/5t ) ! au?orities & requirem5ts ( section #ecgg ( title #e t apply to ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y may fix ! rate ( pay = a critical position "u ?is subsection 9 excess ( ! limitation set =? by section #ecgg7;d77#b7 ( su* title4 7#c7 ,basic pay may n be fix$ "u ?is subsection at a rate great] ?an ! rate payable = ! ,vice ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates e/abli%$ "u section #ajd ( title #c1 except ^u writt5 approval ( ! ,presid5t4 7#d7 ,not)/&+ section #ecgg7;f7 ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y may au?orize ! ex]cise ( au?ority "u ?is subsection ) respect to up to #bjj positions at any "t4 7i7 ,rates ( special pay 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may e/abli% a rate = special pay "u section #ecje7;a77#a7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,9 apply+ su* section to ! ,secret>y's au?ority "u p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 #ej p]c5t %all be sub/itut$ = #cj p]c5t2 & 7,b7 level ,,ii ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule %all be sub/itut$ = level ,,iv ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule4 7j7 ,waiv] ( limitations on c]ta9 paym5ts "u pay comp>ability sy/em ,! ,secret>y may waive ! limitation 9 section #ecjg ( title #e = an employee or a paym5t4 7k7 ,t]m9ation ,! au?orities "u ?is section %all t]m9ate on ,septemb] #cj1 #bjbg4 4 #ab4 ,prescription ( m$ication by heal? c>e provid]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs via telem$ic9e ,section #agcj;,c is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 ! section head+1 by ins]t+ & au?orization to prescribe controll$ sub/ances via telem$ic9e aft] telem$ic9e2 7#b7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ,not)/&+ & ins]t+ 7#a7 ,not)/&+2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,a cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional :o is au?oriz$ to disp5se controll$ sub/ances 9 ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! heal? c>e pr(essional is lic5s$ may prescribe controll$ sub/ances ?r\gh ! use ( telem$ic9e not)/&+ any conflict+ requirem5ts "u ! ,controll$ ,sub/ances ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #hja et seq474 7,b7 ,cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essionals disp5s+ controll$ sub/ances "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be subject to su* quality1 control1 & safety requirem5ts z ! ,secret>y may e/abli% 9 consultation ) ! ,attorney ,g5]al4 2 & 7#c7 9 subsection 7e71 by /rik+ ,no?+ & ins]t+ ,except z provid$ 9 subsection 7a77#b71 no?+4