,,ii  #aag? ,,congress  #b;d ,session   
,s4 #daef  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,!      
,,unit$ ,,/ates  ,may #e1 #bjbb,mr4     
,te/] 7= himself & ,mr4 ,boozman7       
introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read     
twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on       
,vet]ans' ,affairs  ,a ,,bill  ,to      
improve ! 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 ,improvem5t1 ,support1 &  
,expansion 7,,wise7 ,act ( #bjbb4  7b7  
,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts =   
?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort   
title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title          
,i--,tra9+1 recruitm5t1 & ret5tion (    
heal? c>e employees,sec4 #aja4 ,national
 rural recruitm5t & hir+ plan = ,vet]ans
 ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4,sec4 #ajb4 ,rural
 heal? quality & access fell[%ip program
 = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4  
#ajc4 ,au?ority to buy out s]vice       
contracts = heal? c>e pr(essionals 9    
ex*ange = employm5t at rural or highly  

rural facilities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs4,sec4 #ajd4 ,paym5t ( lic5sure 
exam co/s = recipi5ts ( s*ol>%ips f     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4     
#aje4 ,improvem5t ( work=ce tra9+ & team
 models to meet ! ne$s ( old]           
vet]ans4,sec4 #ajf4 ,qualifications =   
human res\rces positions )9 ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs & plan to recruit & 
reta9 human res\rces employees4,sec4    
#ajg4 ,/udy on improv+ recruitm5t &     
ret5tion at community liv+ c5t]s (      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4     
#ajh4 ,limitation on transf] ( directors
 ( m$ical c5t]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans  
,affairs to diff]5t positions4,,title   
,,ii--,acc\ntability1 ov]sight1 &       
p]sonnel matters,subtitle ,a--,matt]s   
relat+ to pay,sec4 #bja4 ,increas$ pay  
cap = directors ( m$ical c5t]s &        
,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( 
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4     
#bjb4 ,waiv] ( pay limitation =         
employees ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?           
,adm9i/ration p]=m+ mission critical    

"w4,sec4 #bjc4 ,elim9ation ( p]=mance   
pay elem5ts = physicians1 podiatri/s1 & 
d5ti/s & elim9ation ( total comp5sation 
cap4,sec4 #bjd4 ,increase ( maximum     
am\nt ( inc5tive pay = ,dep>tm5t        
ph>maci/ executives4,sec4 #bje4         
,elim9ation ( pay cap = c]ta9 employees 
( ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4,sec4   
#bjf4 ,modification ( special pay       
au?ority = nurse executives4,subtitle   
,b--,improvem5t ( recruitm5t &          
hiring,sec4 #baa4 ,ov]sight ( direct    
hire au?ority & hir+ flexibility (      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4     
#bab4 ,expansion ( em]g5cy hir+         
au?orities = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs4,sec4 #bac4 ,waiv] ( c]ta9     
lic5sure requirem5ts4,sec4 #bad4        
,expansion ( opportunities = h\sekeep+  
aides4,subtitle ,c--,o!r p]sonnel       
matters,sec4 #bba4 ,expansion ( annual  
leave options = employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ public heal?     
em]g5cy4,sec4 #bbb4 ,expansion (        
reimbursem5t ( cont9u+ pr(essional      

education fees4,sec4 #bbc4 ,inclusion ( 
police (fic]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans    
,affairs z law en=cem5t (fic]s4,sec4    
#bbd4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs     
p]sonnel transp>5cy4,sec4 #bbe4         
,comptroll] ,g5]al report assess+ human 
res\rces mod]nization )9 ,vet]ans ,heal?
 ,adm9i/ration4,,title ,,iii--,assi/ance
 ) ,national emergencies,sec4 #cja4     
,update ( web portal to id5tify vet]ans 
:o _h m$ical occupations z memb]s ( !   
,arm$ ,=ces4,sec4 #cjb4 ,program on     
provision to ,/ates ( in=mation on      
vet]ans ) m$ical skills obta9$ dur+     
s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces4,sec4 #cjc4      
,program on tra9+ ( int]m$iate c>e      
te*nicians ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs4,sec4 #cjd4 ,notification (    
opportunities = vet]ans4  ,i ,tra9+1    
recruitm5t1 & ret5tion ( heal? c>e      
employees  #aja4 ,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    
#ajb4 ,rural heal? quality & access     
fell[%ip program = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gcjb ( 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new          
subsection3  7f7 7#a7 ,9 c>ry+ out ?is  
section1 ! ,secret>y %all e/abli% a     

fell[%ip program1 to be kn[n z ! ,rural 
,heal? ,quality & ,access ,fell[%ip     
program1 to provide fell[%ips to heal?  
c>e pr(essionals at ! po/-graduate level
 :o s]ve on a %ort-t]m basis z          
po/-graduate heal? pr(essions tra9ees at
 a rural or highly rural community-bas$ 
outpati5t cl9ic or rural or highly rural
 m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,n    
less frequ5tly ?an annually1 ! ,secret>y
 %all submit to ! ,committee on         
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on !   
program "u p>agraph 7#a74  7#c7 ,9 ?is  
subsection3 7,a7 ,! t]m heal? c>e       
pr(essional means an individual :o      
qualifies z an appo9tee "u section #gdjb
 ( ?is title4  7,b7 ,! t]ms rural &     
highly rural h ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms "u 
! rural-urban commut+ areas cod+ sy/em (
 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,agriculture4  4  7b7    
,initial report ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs %all submit ! initial report   
requir$ "u section #gcjb7;f77#b7 ( title

 #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by    
subsection 7a71 n lat] ?an #ah mon?s    
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4    
#ajc4 ,au?ority to buy out s]vice       
contracts = 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 ,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  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 ,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  
7g7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7    
,cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional ,! t]m     
cov]$ heal? c>e pr(essional means a     
heal? c>e pr(essional (f]$ employm5t ) !
 ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration "u-- 7,a7
 section #gdja ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code2 or  7,b7 title #e1 ,unit$ 
,/ates ,code4  7#b7 ,rural2 highly rural
 ,! t]ms rural & highly rural h ! mean+s

 giv5 ^? t]ms "u ! rural-urban commut+  
areas cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t (        
,agriculture4  #ajd4 ,paym5t ( lic5sure 
exam co/s = recipi5ts ( s*ol>%ips f     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  
%all pay ! co/s ( any lic5s+ exam9ations
 & c]tifications requir$ by ! ,secret>y 
= any curr5t recipi5t ( a cov]$ heal?   
pr(essional s*ol>%ip f ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs4  7b7 ,lic5s+         
exam9ations & c]tifications ,subsection 
7a7 %all apply to ! paym5t ( co/s =--   
7#a7 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,m$ical ,lic5s+    
,exam9ation ,/ep #a1 ,/ep #b1 & ,/ep #c2
  7#b7 ! ,national ,c\ncil ,lic5sure    
,exam2  7#c7 ! ,national ,bo>d ,d5tal   
,exam9ation2  7#d7 ! ,national ,bo>d    
,d5tal ,hygi5e ,exam9ation2  7#e7 !     
,d5tal ,lic5sure ,objective ,/ructur$   
,cl9ical ,exam9ation & ,integrat$       
,national ,bo>d ,d5tal ,exam9ation2     
7#f7 ! ,national ,lic5s+ ,exams = ,nurse
 ,practition] & ,c]tifi$ ,regi/]$ ,nurse
 ,ane/heti/2 &  7#g7 su* o!r lic5s+     

exam9ations & c]tifications z !         
,secret>y consid]s appropriate4  7c7    
,cov]$ heal? pr(essional s*ol>%ip def9$ 
,9 ?is section1 ! t]m cov]$ heal?       
pr(essional s*ol>%ip means-- 7#a7 !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,heal?    
,pr(essional ,s*ol>%ip ,program "u      
sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #gf ( title #ch1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code2  7#b7 ! ,dep>tm5t (
 ,vet]ans ,affairs ,employee ,inc5tive  
,s*ol>%ip ,program "u sub*apt] ,,vi (   
su* *apt]1 includ+-- 7,a7 ! ,national   
,nurs+ ,education ,initiative2 &  7,b7 !
 ,,va ,national ,education = ,employees 
,program2  7#c7 ! ,visual ,impairm5t &  
,ori5tation & ,mobility ,pr(essionals   
,s*ol>%ip ,program "u *apt] #ge ( su*   
title2  7#d7 ! ,vet]ans ,heal+ ,vet]ans 
,m$ical ,access & ,s*ol>%ip ,program "u 
section #cjd ( ! ,,va ,,mission ,act (  
#bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ahb2 #ch       
,u4,s4,c4 #gfja note72 &  7#e7 su* o!r  
programs z ! ,secret>y consid]s         
appropriate4  #aje4 ,improvem5t (       
work=ce tra9+ & team models to meet !   

ne$s ( old] vet]ans  7a7 ,rural         
g]iatrics team tra9+ ,! ,secret>y (     
,vet]ans ,affairs %all exp& ! ,rural    
,int]discipl9>y ,team ,tra9+ program ( !
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to n few]
 ?an "o rural site 9 ea* ,vet]ans       
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network ( !         
,dep>tm5t & ensure access at su* sites  
to le>n+ opportunities ?r\gh ! ,g]iatric
 ,s*ol>s ,program ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7b7   
,expansion ( fell[%ip 9 advanc$         
g]iatrics ,! ,secret>y %all exp& !      
,fell[%ip 9 ,advanc$ ,g]iatrics program 
( ! ,dep>tm5t to ensure t a fell[%ip    
position is requir$ to be provid$ "u su*
 program 9 ea* ,g]iatric ,rese>*1       
,education1 & ,cl9ical ,c5t] ( !        
,dep>tm5t4  7c7 ,tra9+ on c>+ = vet]ans 
) memory loss  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!         
,secret>y %all provide cont9u+          
pr(essional education = prim>y c>e      
provid]s1 community liv+ c5t] /aff1     
g]iatrics & ext5d$ c>e /aff1 home heal? 
work]s1 & social work]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t on
 c>+ = vet]ans ) ,alzheim]'s disease &  

dem5tia4  7#b7 ,implem5tation ,!        
,secret>y %all implem5t ! cont9u+       
pr(essional education requir$ "u        
p>agraph 7#a7 9 consultation ) ! ,(fice 
( ,rural ,heal? ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans
 ,affairs e/abli%$ "u section #gcjh (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 9 ord]  
to ensure equitable access to le>n+     
opportunities = employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
9 rural & highly rural areas4  7d7      
,expansion ( ,g]iatric ,pati5t ,align$  
,c>e ,team model  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!      
,secret>y %all exp& ! ,g]iatrics ,pati5t
 ,align$ ,c>e ,team model ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs-- 7,a7 to e m$ical  
c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 &  7,b7 to any      
community-bas$ outpati5t cl9ic at :i*   
su* expansion is det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y 
to be feasible & ne$$4  7#b7 ,waiv] (   
expansion to m$ical c5t]s ,! ,secret>y  
may waive ! application ( ! requirem5ts 
"u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 ) respect to a    
m$ical c5t] if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! 
m$ical c5t] does n h ! capacity or ne$  
to implem5t a ,g]iatrics ,pati5t ,align$

 ,c>e ,team model4  7#c7 ,/udy ,!       
,secret>y %all conduct a /udy on !      
v>iations 9 ! /ructure & model consi/5cy
 ( ! ,g]iatrics ,pati5t ,align$ ,c>e    
,team model ?r\gh\t ! ,dep>tm5t & h[ ^? 
v>iations impact quality ( c>e & pati5t 
outcomes4  7e7 ,report to ,congress     
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! 
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & n less  
frequ5tly ?an annually !reaft] = !      
foll[+ five ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all      
submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives a report on !           
implem5tation ( ?is section4  7#b7      
,inclusion ( in=mation on waiv]s ,!     
,secret>y %all include 9 ! report       
requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 an             
id5tification ( any m$ical c5t] ( !     
,dep>tm5t 9 receipt ( a waiv] "u        
subsection 7d77#b7 & ! reason = ! waiv]4
  7f7 ,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
  #ajf4 ,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]s4  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  #ajg4  
,/udy on improv+ recruitm5t & ret5tion  
at community liv+ c5t]s ( ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] 
?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs %all complete a /udy on b>ri]s 
to hir+ & reta9+ /aff at community liv+ 
c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
& be/ practices = improv+ recruitm5t &  
ret5tion ( su* /aff1 ) an emphasis on   
nurs+ /aff4  7b7 ,report to ,congress ,n
 lat] ?an #ahj days aft] completion ( ! 
/udy "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all
 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives a report-- 7#a7 summ>iz+
 key f9d+s ) respect to b>ri]s to hir+ &
 reta9+ /aff at community liv+ c5t]s ( !
 ,dep>tm5t & be/ practices = improv+    
recruitm5t & ret5tion ( su* /aff1       
includ+ any b>ri]s or be/ practices     
specific to rural areas2 &  7#b7 includ+

 recomm5dations = su* adm9i/rative      
action z ! ,secret>y consid]s           
appropriate4  #ajh4 ,limitation on      
transf] ( directors ( m$ical c5t]s (    
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to diff]5t
 positions  7a7 ,notification ,n lat]   
?an #ij days aft] transf]r+ a director (
 a m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs to a diff]5t position )9 !     
,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs %all notify ! ,committee on    
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ( su* transf]4  
7b7 ,return to position or removal ,n   
lat] ?an #ahj days aft] transf]r+ a     
director ( a m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t (
 ,vet]ans ,affairs to a diff]5t position
 )9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7
 return ! individual to ! position z    
director ( ! m$ical c5t]2 or  7#b7      
remove ! individual f ! position z      
director ( ! m$ical c5t] & beg9 !       
process ( hir+ a new director = su*     
position4  ,,ii ,acc\ntability1         

ov]sight1 & p]sonnel matt]s  ,a ,matt]s 
relat+ to pay  #bja4 ,increas$ pay cap =
 directors ( m$ical c5t]s & ,vet]ans    
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( ,dep>tm5t
 ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,increas$ pay 
cap  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,iii (    
*apt] #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new section3  #gdcd4 ,pay =      
directors ( m$ical c5t]s & directors (  
,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks   
7a7 ,p]=mance managem5t ,! ,secret>y    
%all prescribe a p]=mance managem5t &   
aw>ds sy/em = employees appo9t$ "u      
section #gdja7d7 ( ?is title t ensures  
p]=mance rat+s & aw>ds mean+fully       
diff]5tiate extraord9>y f satisfactory  
contributions & sub/antively reflect    
organizational a*ievem5ts ov] :i* !     
employee has responsibility & control4  
7b7 ,m>ket rate ( pay  7#a7 ,! annual   
am\nt ( ! m>ket rate ( pay = an employee
 appo9t$ "u section #gdja7d7 ( ?is      
title-- 7,a7 %all be det]m9$ by !       
,secret>y on a case-by-case basis2 &    

7,b7 %all take into acc\nt-- 7i7 ! level
 ( exp]i5ce ( ! employee 9 manag+       
facilities or programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t or 
o!r simil> ag5cies or companies1 :e!r   
gov]nm5tal or nongov]nm5tal2  7ii7 !    
complexity ( ! assignm5t ( ! employee1  
:e!r assign$ or to be assign$2  7iii7 ! 
labor m>ket = individuals 9 simil>      
positions1 :i* may cov] any geographic  
area ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate2  
7iv7 ! exp]i5ce ( ! employee 9 p]=m+ !  
assignm5t ( ! employee1 :e!r assign$ or 
to be assign$2 &  7v7 su* o!r           
consid]ations z ! ,secret>y consid]s    
appropriate4  7#b7 ,m>ket rate ( pay    
provid$ "u ?is subsection %all reflect !
 recruitm5t & ret5tion ne$s ( !         
,dep>tm5t = ! assignm5t ( a p>ticul>    
director 9 a facility or network ( !    
,dep>tm5t4  7#c7 7,a7 ,! m>ket rate (   
pay provid$ "u ?is subsection %all be   
evaluat$ by ! ,secret>y n less frequ5tly
 ?an once e two ye>s4  7,b7 ,! m>ket    
rate ( pay ( an employee may be adju/$ z
 ! result ( an evaluation "u subp>agraph

 7,a74  7,c7 ,an employee ^: m>ket rate 
( pay is evaluat$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7   
%all receive writt5 notice ( ! results (
 su* evaluation4  7c7 ,requirem5ts &    
limitations on total pay  7#a7 ,n less  
frequ5tly ?an once e two ye>s1 !        
,secret>y %all prescribe = applicability
 ?r\gh\t ! ,dep>tm5t ! m9imum & maximum 
am\nts = a m>ket rate ( pay t may be    
paid "u subsection 7b74  7#b7 ,am\nts   
prescrib$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be      
publi%$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] & %all take  
effect n e>li] ?an #fj days aft] ! date 
( publication4  7#c7 ,9 no case may !   
total m>ket rate ( pay provid$ "u       
subsection 7b7 exce$ ! am\nt ( annual   
comp5sation 7exclud+ exp5ses7 specifi$ 9
 section #ajb ( title #c4  7#d7 ,no     
adju/m5t ( ! m>ket rate ( pay "u        
subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 may result 9 a  
r$uction ( ! am\nt ( ! m>ket rate ( pay 
( a director :ile 9 ! same position or  
assignm5t at ! same location4  7d7      
,treatm5t ( pay  7#a7 ,pay "u subsection
 7b7 %all be consid]$ pay = all         

purposes1 includ+ retirem5t b5efits "u  
*apt]s #hc & #hd ( title #e & o!r       
b5efits4  7#b7 ,an individual receiv+   
pay "u subsection 7b7 may n receive a   
co/-(-liv+ all[ance "u section #eida (  
title #e4  7e7 ,annual report ,n lat]   
?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! ,,va ,work=ce
 ,improvem5t1 ,support1 & ,expansion    
7,,wise7 ,act ( #bjbb1 & annually       
!reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to !   
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report on ! implem5tation by ! ,secret>y
 ( ! requirem5ts "u ?is section4  4     
7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (        
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* sub*apt] is  
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #gdcc ! foll[+ new item3  #gdcd4
 ,pay = directors ( m$ical c5t]s &      
directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice 
,networks4  4  7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts     
,section #gdjd7;a77#a7 ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9  
subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ 7,a7 ,!

 annual & ins]t+ ,! annual2 &  7,b7 by  
/rik+ & #gdja7d72 &  7#b7 by /rik+      
subp>agraph 7,b74  #bjb4 ,waiv] ( pay   
limitation = employees ( ! ,vet]ans     
,heal? ,adm9i/ration p]=m+ mission      
critical "w  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i (
 *apt] #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new section3  #gdad4 ,waiv] ( pay
 limitation = employees p]=m+ mission   
critical "w  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ any  
o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may    
waive any limitation on pay = an        
employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?            
,adm9i/ration :o is p]=m+ mission       
critical "w4  7b7 ,au?ority ,! ,secret>y
 %all prescribe regulations = !         
adm9i/ration ( ?is section4  7c7        
,employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?           
,adm9i/ration def9$ ,9 ?is section1 !   
t]m #8employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?      
,adm9i/ration includes any employee ( ! 
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 reg>dless
 ( ! au?ority "u :i* ! employee 0 hir$4 
4  7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (      

sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* sub*apt] is  
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #gdac ! foll[+ new item3  #gdad4
 ,waiv] ( pay limitation = employees    
p]=m+ mission critical "w4  4  #bjc4    
,elim9ation ( p]=mance pay elem5ts =    
physicians1 podiatri/s1 & d5ti/s &      
elim9ation ( total comp5sation cap      
,section #gdca ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+  
subsection 7a77#a72  7#b7 by /rik+      
subsection 7d72  7#c7 by r$esignat+     
subsections 7e7 ?r\gh 7h7 z subsections 
7d7 ?r\gh 7g71 respectively2  7#d7 9    
subsection 7d71 z r$esignat$ by p>agraph
 7#c71 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#d72 &  7#e7 9
 subsection 7g71 z r$esignat$ by        
p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ responsibility (
 ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7c71 7d71 or 
7e7 except = ! responsibilities ( !     
,secret>y "u subsection 7e77#a7 & ins]t+
 responsibility ( ! ,secret>y "u        
subsection 7c7 or 7d7 except = !        
responsibilities ( ! ,secret>y "u       
subsection 7d77#a74  #bjd4 ,increase (  

maximum am\nt ( inc5tive pay = ,dep>tm5t
 ph>maci/ executives ,section           
#gdaj7;b77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ #dj1jjj &     
ins]t+ #ge1jjj4  #bje4 ,elim9ation ( pay
 cap = c]ta9 employees ( ,vet]ans ,heal?
 ,adm9i/ration ,section #gdee7;c7 (     
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+  
7#a7 ,subject to p>agraph 7#b71 ! am\nt 
& ins]t+ ,! am\nt2 &  7#b7 by /rik+     
p>agraph 7#b74  #bjf4 ,modification (   
special pay au?ority = nurse executives 
,section #gdeb7;g7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph
 7#a71 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph     
7,a71 by ins]t+ au?orize ! ,"u ,secret>y
 = ,heal? to be=e pay special pay2 &    
7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new      
p>agraph3  7#e7 ,! ,"u ,secret>y =      
,heal? %all def9e ?r\gh regulations :i* 
positions ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?           
,adm9i/ration qualify z nurse executives
 = purposes ( special pay "u p>agraph   
7#a74  4  ,b ,improvem5t ( recruitm5t & 

hir+  #baa4 ,ov]sight ( direct hire     
au?ority & hir+ flexibility ( ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,n lat] ?an two ye>s
 aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! 
,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct a /udy & 
publi% a report on-- 7#a7 ! use ( direct
 hire au?ority by ! ,dep>tm5t2  7#b7 !  
contributions made by ! use ( su*       
au?ority to fill+ vacancies )9 !        
,dep>tm5t2 &  7#c7 any vuln]abilities or
 inconsi/5cies ) respect to ! use ( su* 
au?ority4  #bab4 ,expansion ( em]g5cy   
hir+ au?orities = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans  
,affairs ,section #gdje ( title #ch1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9  
subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 9
 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by    
/rik+ ,a tempor>y & ins]t+ ,except z    
provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#e71 a tempor>y2 &  
7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new      
p>agraph3  7#e7 ,dur+ a public heal?    
em]g5cy1 national em]g5cy1 dome/ic      
em]g5cy1 or o!r em]g5cy z det]m9$ by !  
,secret>y1 appo9tm5ts "u p>agraph 7#b7  

may be ext5d$ by ! ,secret>y =          
additional "o-ye> p]iods4  2 &  7#b7 by 
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7h7 7#a7 ,if ! 
,secret>y decl>es an em]g5cy or crisis (
 vet]an c>e or o!r op]ational imp$im5t t
 ! ,secret>y det]m9es w cause           
significant disruption to vet]an c>e or 
! ,secret>y id5tifies a significant ne$ 
to employ p]sonnel on a tempor>y basis 9
 response to a national em]g5cy decl>$  
"u any provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may 
employ p]sonnel "u subsection 7a77#a7 to
 support ! em]g5cy1 crisis1 or imp$im5t4
  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all submit to      
,congress 9 writ+ any decl>ation or     
id5tification made by ! ,secret>y "u    
p>agraph 7#a71 :i* %all include an      
id5tification ( ! approximate end date (
 ! em]g5cy1 crisis1 or imp$im5t4  7#c7  
,! au?ority to employ p]sonnel "u ?is   
subsection %all cont9ue ?r\gh\t ! p]iod 
cov]$ by ! decl>ation conc]n$4  7#d7    
,p]sonnel 9 positions ( a confid5tial or
 policy-det]m9+ "* are exclud$ f        
employm5t "u ?is subsection4  4  #bac4  

,waiv] ( c]ta9 lic5sure requirem5ts  7a7
 ,psy*ologi/s ,p>agraph 7#h77;,c7 (     
section #gdjb7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+  
individual psy*ologi/ = a p]iod & ins]t+
 8individual psy*ologi/--  7i7 = a p]iod
  2  7#b7 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end &   
ins]t+ 2 or2 &  7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! 
foll[+ new clause3  7ii7 = a reasonable 
p]iod recomm5d$ by ! ,"u ,secret>y =    
,heal?1 n to exce$ f\r ye>s1 dur+ a     
public heal? em]g5cy decl>$ by !        
,presid5t1 ! ,secret>y ( ,heal? & ,human
 ,s]vices1 or su* o!r au?ority z        
specifi$ by ! ,secret>y4  4  7b7 ,lic5s$
 pr(essional m5tal heal? c\nselor       
,p>agraph 7#aa77;,b7 ( su* section is   
am5d$ by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+
 81 except t ! ,secret>y may waive !    
requirem5t ( lic5sure or c]tification = 
an individual pr(essional m5tal heal?   
c\nselor to p]mit a reasonable p]iod (  
"t = ! c\nselor to be lic5s$ or c]tifi$1
 z ! case may be1 on ! condition t !    
c\nselor--  7i7 provide pati5t c>e only 

"u ! direct sup]vision ( a lic5s$ m5tal 
heal? provid]2 &  7ii7 "w t[>d su*      
lic5sure or c]tification1 z ! case may  
be4  4  #bad4 ,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  ,c 
,o!r p]sonnel matt]s  #bba4 ,expansion (
 annual leave options = employees (     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+      
public heal? em]g5cy  7a7 ,9 g5]al      
,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 !     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all waive
 all annual leave ceil+s = employees ( !
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ !   
p]iod beg9n+ on ,janu>y #a1 #bjbb1 &    
end+ on ,decemb] #ca1 #bjbf1 all[+ all  
unus$1 accru$ annual leave to be c>ri$  
ov] f any ye> 9 ! p]iod to any subsequ5t
 ye> 9 ! p]iod4  7b7 ,leave 9 excess (  
ceil+ ,at ! end ( ,decemb] #ca1 #bjbf1  
all unus$1 accru$ annual leave 9 excess 
( ! ceil+ pursuant to subsection 7a7    

%all be =feit$4  #bbb4 ,expansion (     
reimbursem5t ( cont9u+ pr(essional      
education fees ,section #gdaa ( title   
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
/rik+ physician or d5ti/ & ins]t+       
physician1 bo>d-c]tifi$ d5ti/1 advanc$  
practice regi/]$ nurse1 or physician    
assi/ant4  #bbc4 ,inclusion ( police    
(fic]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs z
 law en=cem5t (fic]s ,title #e1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 section 
#hcca7bj71 by ins]t+ & an employee ( !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o is a   
,dep>tm5t police (fic] "u section #ijb (
 title #ch aft] sup]visory or           
adm9i/rative position2 &  7#b7 9 section
 #hdja7ag7-- 7,a7 9 subp>agraph 7,c71 by
 /rik+ & at ! end2  7,b7 9 ! flu% text  
foll[+ subp>agraph 7,d77iii71 by add+ & 
at ! end2 &  7,c7 by add+ at ! end !    
foll[+3  7,e7 an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o is a ,dep>tm5t   
police (fic] "u section #ijb ( title    
#ch2  4  #bbd4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs p]sonnel transp>5cy  7a7       

,publication ( /aff+ & vacancies  7#a7  
,website requir$ ,subject to p>agraph   
7#b7 & n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date (
 ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (   
,vet]ans ,affairs %all make publicly    
available on an int]net website ( !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ! foll[+  
in=mation3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( p]sonnel     
encumb]+ positions4  7,b7 ,! numb] (    
accessions & sep>ation actions process$ 
dur+ ! qu>t] prec$+ ! date ( !          
publication ( ! in=mation4  7,c7 ,!     
numb] ( vacancies1 by occupation4  7,d7 
,! numb] ( vacancies remov$4  7,e7 ,!   
p]c5tage ( new hires = ! ,dep>tm5t :o 7 
hir$ )9 ! "t-to-hire t>get ( ! ,(fice ( 
,p]sonnel ,managem5t1 disaggregat$ by   
int]nal hires & ext]nal hires4  7#b7    
,exceptions ,! ,secret>y may )hold f    
publication "u p>agraph 7#a7 in=mation  
relat+ to law en=cem5t1 in=mation       
security1 or su* positions 9 ! ,dep>tm5t
 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es to be s5sitive4 
7#c7 ,update ( in=mation ,! ,secret>y   
%all update ! in=mation on ! website    

requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 on a qu>t]ly   
basis4  7#d7 ,treatm5t ( contractor     
positions ,any ,dep>tm5t position t is  
fill$ ) a contractor may n be treat$ z a
 ,dep>tm5t position = purposes ( !      
in=mation requir$ to be publi%$ "u      
p>agraph 7#a74  7#e7 ,inspector ,g5]al  
review ,on a semiannual basis1 !        
,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t %all    
review ! adm9i/ration ( ! website       
requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 & make         
recomm5dations relat+ to ! improvem5t ( 
su* adm9i/ration4  7b7 ,report to       
,congress  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,ea* ye>1 !    
,secret>y %all submit to ,congress an   
annual report on ! actions ! ,dep>tm5t  
is tak+ to a*ieve full /aff+ capacity4  
7#b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u   
p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3    
7,a7 ,an e/imate ( ! am\nt ( additional 
funds necess>y to enable ! ,dep>tm5t to 
rea* full /aff+ capacity4  7,b7 ,su*    
recomm5dations = legislative or         
adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y may h 
to a*ieve full /aff+ capacity at !      

,dep>tm5t4  #bbe4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al    
report assess+ human res\rces           
mod]nization )9 ,vet]ans ,heal?         
,adm9i/ration  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an 
#ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on     
human res\rces mod]nization conduct$ by 
! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 79 ?is  
section ref]r$ to z ! ,adm9i/ration74   
7b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by       
subsection 7a7 %all include an assessm5t
 ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! ,human ,res\rces   
,mod]nization ,program 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is 
subsection z ! ,program7 ( !            
,adm9i/ration1 includ+ an assessm5t ( ! 
activities c>ri$ out "u ! ,program & !  
results ( ^? activities4  7#b7 ,!       
p]=mance1 accuracy1 effici5cy1 &        
transp>5cy ( ! human res\rces in=mation 
te*nology sy/ems ( ! ,adm9i/ration =    
human res\rces pr(essionals1 manag]s )  

hir+ au?ority1 & o!r employees ( !      
,adm9i/ration us+ ^? sy/ems to recruit &
 reta9 ! work=ce ( ! ,adm9i/ration4     
7#c7 ,metrics us$ to report hir+ &      
vacancy data )9 ! ,adm9i/ration1 includ+
 recruitm5t1 hir+1 & ret5tion data =    
mission critical occupations4  7#d7     
,tr5ds 9 ! hir+ & vacancies among       
employees ( ! ,adm9i/ration ) mission   
critical occupations1 z det]m9$ by !    
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 dur+ !   
five-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( !        
enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7#e7 ,! use by !  
,adm9i/ration ( hir+ flexibilities1     
includ+ direct hire au?ority1 & waiv]s  
dur+ ! five-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( ! 
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 includ+-- 7,a7 an  
assessm5t ( ! /&>dization ( use ( su*   
au?orities & waiv]s )9 ,vet]ans         
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( !        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 &  7,b7 !
 numb] & employee category ( employees (
 ! ,adm9i/ration hir$ "u ea* su*        
au?ority or waiv]4  7#f7 ,tra9+ &       
developm5t ( human res\rces pr(essionals

 ( ! ,adm9i/ration1 includ+-- 7,a7      
fe$back f manag]s ) hir+ au?ority2 &    
7,b7 fe$back on su* tra9+ f individuals 
receiv+ ! tra9+ & individuals provid+ ! 
tra9+4  7#g7 ,su* o!r matt]s z !        
,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s relevant4   
,,iii ,assi/ance ) ,national em]g5cies  
#cja4 ,update ( web portal to id5tify   
vet]ans :o _h m$ical occupations z      
memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
update exi/+ web portals ( ! ,dep>tm5t (
 ,vet]ans ,affairs to all[ !            
id5tification ( vet]ans :o _h a m$ical  
occupation z a memb] ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4   
7b7 ,in=mation 9 portal  7#a7 ,9 g5]al  
,an update to a portal "u subsection 7a7
 %all all[ a vet]an to elect to provide 
! foll[+ in=mation3 7,a7 ,contact       
in=mation = ! vet]an4  7,b7 ,a hi/ory ( 
! m$ical exp]i5ce & tra9$ compet5cies ( 
! vet]an4  7#b7 ,inclusions 9 hi/ory ,to
 ! ext5t practicable1 hi/ories provid$  
"u p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 %all include      
individual critical task li/s specific  

to milit>y occupational specialties t   
align ) exi/+ /&>d occupational codes   
ma9ta9$ by ! ,bureau ( ,labor ,/ati/ics4
  #cjb4 ,program on provision to ,/ates 
( in=mation on vet]ans ) m$ical skills  
obta9$ dur+ s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces  7a7 
,9 g5]al ,= purposes ( facilitat+       
civilian m$ical cr$5tial+ & hir+        
opportunities = vet]ans seek+ to respond
 to a national em]g5cy1 includ+ a public
 heal? em]g5cy decl>$ by ! ,secret>y (  
,heal? & ,human ,s]vices "u section #cai
 ( ! ,public ,heal? ,s]vice ,act 7#db   
,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d71 ! ,secret>y (        
,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 coord9ation ) !    
,secret>y ( ,def5se & ! ,secret>y (     
,labor1 %all e/abli% a program to %>e   
in=mation specifi$ 9 section            
#cja7;b77#a7 ) ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,/ate     
dep>tm5ts ( vet]ans affairs4  7#b7 ,/ate
 cr$5tial+ bodies4  7#c7 ,/ate homes4   
7#d7 ,o!r /akehold]s involv$ 9          
,/ate-level cr$5tial+1 z det]m9$        
appropriate by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs4  7b7 ,/ate home def9$ ,9 ?is  

section1 ! t]m ,/ate home has ! mean+   
giv5 t t]m 9 section #aja7ai7 ( title   
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #cjc4        
,program on tra9+ ( int]m$iate c>e      
te*nicians ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs  7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,! ,secret>y (
 ,vet]ans ,affairs %all implem5t a      
program to tra9 cov]$ vet]ans to "w z   
int]m$iate c>e te*nicians ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs4  7b7 ,locations ,! 
,secret>y may place an int]m$iate c>e   
te*nician tra9$ "u ! program "u         
subsection 7a7 at any m$ical c5t] ( !   
,dep>tm5t1 giv+ priority to a location )
 a significant /aff+ %ortage4  7c7      
,inclusion ( in=mation 9 transition     
assi/ance program ,z "p ( ! ,transition 
,assi/ance ,program "u sections #aadb & 
#aadd ( title #aj1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
! ,secret>y %all prep>e a communications
 campaign to convey opportunities =     
tra9+1 c]tification1 & employm5t "u !   
program "u subsection 7a7 to appropriate
 memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces sep>at+ f active
 duty4  7d7 ,report on expansion (      

program ,n lat] ?an #ahj 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 a report on :e!r
 ! program "u ?is section c\ld be       
replicat$ = o!r m$ical positions )9 !   
,dep>tm5t4  7e7 ,cov]$ vet]an def9$ ,9  
?is section1 ! t]m cov]$ vet]an means a 
vet]an :om ! ,secret>y det]m9es s]v$ or 
is s]v+ z an alli$ heal? pr(essional    
7su* z a combat m$ic1 m$ical te*nician1 
corpsman1 or basic heal? c>e te*nician7 
:ile s]v+ 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces4  #cjd4       
,notification ( opportunities = vet]ans 
7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans    
,affairs %all notify vet]ans s]vice     
organizations1 su* o!r /akehold]s z !   
,secret>y consid]s appropriate1 &1 9    
coord9ation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1    
memb]s ( ! res]ve compon5ts ( ! ,arm$   
,=ces ( opportunities = vet]ans "u ?is  
title4  7b7 ,vet]ans s]vice organization
 def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m vet]ans    

s]vice organization means any           
organization recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs = ! repres5tation (   
vet]ans "u section #eijb ( title #ch1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4