,,ii  #aah? ,,congress  #a/ ,session    
,s4 #aj  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$
 ,,/ates  ,janu>y #bc 7legislative day1 
,janu>y #c71 #bjbc,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 ,cl9ician              
,appreciation1 ,recruitm5t1 ,education1 
,expansion1 & ,ret5tion ,support        
7,,c>e]s7 ,act ( #bjbc4  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 ,paym5t ( lic5sure 
exam co/s = recipi5ts ( s*ol>%ips f     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4     
#ajb4 ,improvem5t ( work=ce tra9+ & team
 models to meet ! ne$s ( old]           
vet]ans4,sec4 #ajc4 ,/udy on improv+    

recruitm5t & ret5tion at community liv+ 
c5t]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans            
,affairs4,sec4 #ajd4 ,limitation on     
detail ( directors ( m$ical c5t]s (     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to diff]5t
 positions4,,title ,,ii--,acc\ntability1
 ov]sight1 & p]sonnel matters,subtitle  
,a--,matt]s relat+ to pay,sec4 #bja4    
,modification ( pay limitation =        
physicians1 podiatri/s1 optometri/s1 &  
d5ti/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans           
,affairs4,sec4 #bjb4 ,increas$ pay cap =
 directors ( m$ical c5t]s & ,vet]ans    
,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( ,dep>tm5t
 ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjc4 ,waiv] 
( pay limitation = employees ( !        
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration p]=m+     
mission critical "w4,sec4 #bjd4         
,increase ( maximum am\nt ( inc5tive pay
 = ,dep>tm5t ph>maci/ executives4,sec4  
#bje4 ,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 ,waiv] ( c]ta9 lic5sure           
requirem5ts4,subtitle ,c--,o!r p]sonnel 
matters,sec4 #bba4 ,role ( optometri/s 9
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4    
#bbb4 ,expansion ( annual leave options 
= employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs dur+ public heal? em]g5cy4,sec4
 #bbc4 ,expansion ( reimbursem5t (      
cont9u+ pr(essional education           
exp5ses4,sec4 #bbd4 ,inclusion ( police 
(fic]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs z
 law en=cem5t (fic]s4,sec4 #bbe4        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs p]sonnel  
transp>5cy4,sec4 #bbf4 ,comptroll]      
,g5]al report assess+ human res\rces    
mod]nization )9 ,vet]ans ,heal?         
,adm9i/ration4  ,i ,tra9+1 recruitm5t1 &
 ret5tion ( heal? c>e employees  #aja4  
,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 = ,regi/]$ ,nurses1      
,nurse ,practition]s1 & ,c]tifi$        
,regi/]$ ,nurse ,ane/heti/s2  7#g7 !    
,am]ican ,podiatric ,m$ical ,lic5s+     
,exam2  7#h7 ! ,national ,bo>d (        
,exam9]s 9 ,optometry ,exam2  7#i7 !    
,physician ,assi/ant ,national          
,c]tification ,exam2  7#aj7 !           
,exam9ation = ,pr(essional ,practice 9  
,psy*ology2  7#aa7 ! ,academy =         
,c]tification ( ,vision ,rehabilitation 

& ,education ,pr(essionals c]tification 
exam9ations2  7#ab7 ! ,association (    
,social ,work]s ,bo>ds ,exam2 &  7#ac7  
su* o!r lic5s+ exam9ations &            
c]tifications z ! ,secret>y consid]s    
appropriate4  7c7 ,report to ,congress  
,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & n less frequ5tly 
?an 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 ( ?is section t includes !
 foll[+ data = ea* ,/ate & t]ritory ( ! 
,unit$ ,/ates = ! "o-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! 
date ( ! report3 7#a7 ,utilization by ! 
,secret>y ( ! requirem5t "u subsection  
7a7 brok5 d[n by position & c>e] type4  
7#b7 ,numb] ( times ea* exam9ation or   
c]tification describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 0
 paid = by ! ,dep>tm5t & total funds    
exp5d$ by ! ,dep>tm5t = ea* su*         
exam9ation or c]tification4  7d7 ,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 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans  
,affairs ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice   
,s*ol>%ip ,program "u sub*apt] ,,ix (   
su* *apt]2  7#d7 ! ,visual ,impairm5t & 
,ori5tation & ,mobility ,pr(essionals   
,s*ol>%ip ,program "u *apt] #ge ( su*   
title2  7#e7 ! ,vet]ans ,heal+ ,vet]ans 
,m$ical ,access & ,s*ol>%ip ,program "u 
section #cjd ( ! ,,va ,,mission ,act (  
#bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ahb2 #ch       
,u4,s4,c4 #gfja note72  7#f7 !          
,physician ,assi/ant ,education & ,tra9+
 ,pilot ,program = ,=m] ,memb]s ( ,!    
,arm$ ,=ces "u section #bdf ( division  

,j ( ! ,consolidat$ ,appropriations ,act
 ( #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ada2 #ch    
,u4,s4,c4 #gfja note72 &  7#g7 su* o!r  
programs z ! ,secret>y consid]s         
appropriate4  #ajb4 ,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   
,tra9+ on c>+ = vet]ans ) memory loss   
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all provide 
cont9u+ pr(essional education = cl9ical 
/aff ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o provide c>e =     
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  7c7 ,expansion (         
,g]iatric ,pati5t ,align$ ,c>e ,team    
model & ,g]iatric & ,palliative         
,specialty ,s]vices  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!   
,secret>y %all exp& ! ,g]iatrics ,pati5t
 ,align$ ,c>e ,team model & ! g]iatric &
 palliative specialty s]vices ( !       
,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$$2 &  7,c7
 to provide access to all vet]ans t ne$ 
^? s]vices1 includ+ ?r\gh implem5t+     
,g]iatric & ,palliative ,specialty      
,consultative ,cl9ical ,res\rce ,hubs to
 meet ! ne$s ( ! ag+ vet]an population4 
7#b7 ,waiv] ( expansion to m$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 model or to 
provide g]iatric & palliative specialty 
s]vices1 z ! case may be4  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 & deliv]y & utilization (   
g]iatric & palliative c>e ?r\gh\t !     
,dep>tm5t & h[ ^? v>iations impact      
quality ( c>e & pati5t outcomes4  7d7   
,report to ,congress  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n  
lat] ?an two ye>s 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 7c77#b7 & ! reason = ! waiv]4
  7e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms
 rural & highly rural h ! mean+s giv5 ^?
 t]ms "u ! ,rural-,urban ,commut+ ,areas
 7,,ruca7 cod+ sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,agriculture4  #ajc4 ,/udy on improv+   
recruitm5t & ret5tion at community liv+ 
c5t]s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs   
7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>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  #ajd4 ,limitation on      
detail ( directors ( m$ical c5t]s (     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to diff]5t
 positions  7a7 ,notification  7#a7 ,9  
g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] detail+ 
a director ( a m$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* detail4  7#b7 ,matt]s ,to be includ$
 ,! notification requir$ by p>agraph    
7#a7 %all include1 ) respect to a       
director ( a m$ical c5t] :o is detail$  
to a diff]5t position )9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! 

foll[+ in=mation3 7,a7 ,! location at   
:i* ! director is detail$4  7,b7 ,!     
position title ( ! detail4  7,c7 ,!     
e/imat$ "t ! director is expect$ to be  
abs5t f _! duties at ! m$ical c5t]4     
7,d7 ,su* o!r in=mation z ! ,secret>y   
may det]m9e appropriate4  7b7 ,appo9tm5t
 ( act+ director ,n lat] ?an #abj days  
aft] detail+ a director ( a m$ical c5t] 
( ! ,dep>tm5t to a diff]5t position )9 !
 ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all appo9t an  
individual z act+ director ( su* m$ical 
c5t] ) all ( ! au?ority &               
responsibilities ( ! detail$ director4  
7c7 ,update on detail ,n lat] ?an #abj  
days aft] detail+ a director ( a m$ical 
c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t to a diff]5t position
 )9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 & n less frequ5tly ?an 
e #cj days !reaft] :ile ! detail is 9   
effect or :ile ! director position at ! 
m$ical c5t] is vacant1 ! ,secret>y %all 
submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives an update reg>d+ ! /atus

 ( ! detail4  7d7 ,return to position or
 reassignm5t  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z   
provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 n lat] ?an #ahj
 days aft] detail+ a director ( a m$ical
 c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t to a diff]5t        
position )9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 = a reason o!r 
?an an ongo+ inve/igation or            
adm9i/rative action ) respect to !      
director1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 return
 ! individual to ! position z director (
 ! m$ical c5t]2 or  7,b7 reassign !     
individual f ! position z director ( !  
m$ical c5t] & beg9 ! process ( hir+ a   
new director = su* position4  7#b7      
,waiv]  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y may  
waive ! requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a7 )   
respect to an individual = successive   
#ij-;day increm5ts = a total p]iod ( n m
 ?an #edj days f ! orig9al date !       
individual 0 detail$ away f _! position 
z director ( a m$ical c5t]4  7,b7       
,notification ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] 
ex]cis+ a waiv] "u subp>agraph 7,a71 !  
,secret>y %all notify ,congress ( !     
waiv] & provide to ,congress in=mation z

 to :y ! waiv] is necess>y4  ,,ii       
,acc\ntability1 ov]sight1 & p]sonnel    
matt]s  ,a ,matt]s relat+ to pay  #bja4 
,modification ( pay limitation =        
physicians1 podiatri/s1 optometri/s1 &  
d5ti/s ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  
7a7 ,m>ket pay  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section  
#gdca ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ subsections    
7a71 7b71 & 7d72  7,b7 by r$esignat+    
subsections 7c71 7e71 7f71 7g71 & 7h7 z 
subsections 7a71 7b71 7c71 7d71 & 7e71  
respectively2  7,c7 by ins]t+           
optometri/s1 aft] podiatri/s1 ea* place 
x appe>s2  7,d7 by ins]t+ optometri/    
aft] podiatri/1 ea* place x appe>s2     
7,e7 9 subsection 7a71 z r$esignat$ by  
subp>agraph 7,b71 9 ! matt] prec$+      
p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ,"o elem5t ( pay
 = physicians1 podiatri/s1 & d5ti/s %all
 be base pay4 ,base pay %all meet !     
foll[+ requirem5ts3 & ins]t+ ,pay (     
physicians1 podiatri/s1 optometri/s1 &  
d5ti/s 9 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration
 %all consi/ ( base pay1 :i* %all meet !

 foll[+ requirem5ts32  7,f7 9 subsection
 7b71 z s r$esignat$-- 7i7 9 !          
subsection head+1 by /rik+ total &      
ins]t+ m>ket2  7ii7 9 p>agraph          
7#a77;,a7-- 7,i7 by /rik+ annual ea*    
place x appe>s & ins]t+ m>ket2 &  7,,ii7
 by ins]t+ 1 optometri/s1 aft]          
podiatri/s2  7iii7 by /rik+ p>agraphs   
7#b7 & 7#c72  7iv7 by r$esignat+        
p>agraph 7#d7 z p>agraph 7#b72  7v7 9   
p>agraph 7#b71 z r$esignat$ by clause   
7iv71 by /rik+ ,except z provid$ 9      
sections #gdjd;,a7c7 & #gdaj7;a77#b7 (  
?is title1 9 no case may ! total am\nt (
 comp5sation & ins]t+ ,! total am\nt (  
m>ket pay "u subsection 7a72  7vi7 by   
ins]t+ may n be=e exce$2 &  7vii7 by    
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3   
7#c7 ,not)/&+ any comp5sation or pay    
limitations "u ?is title or title #e1 ! 
,secret>y may au?orize ! ,"u ,secret>y =
 ,heal? to pay physicians1 podiatri/s1 &
 d5ti/s-- 7,a7 aw>ds au?oriz$ "u ?is    
title2  7,b7 advance paym5ts1 recruitm5t
 or relocation bonuses1 & ret5tion      

all[ances au?oriz$ "u section #gdaj7;a7 
( ?is title or z o!rwise provid$ by law2
  7,c7 inc5tives or bonuses "u section  
#gjf ( ?is title or z o!rwise provid$ by
 law2 &  7,d7 e>n+s f fee-basis         
appo9tm5ts "u section #gdje7;a77#b7 (   
?is title4  7#d7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y may  
waive any pay limitation describ$ 9 ?is 
section 7to include ti] limitations7 if 
! ,secret>y det]m9es x is necess>y = !  
recruitm5t or ret5tion ( critical heal? 
c>e p]sonnel1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 
7,b7 ,! ,secret>y may prescribe         
requirem5ts1 limitations1 & o!r         
consid]ations = waiv]s "u subp>agraph   
7,a74  2  7,g7 9 subsection 7c71 z s    
r$esignat$1 by /rik+ subsections 7b7 &  
7c7 (2  7,h7 9 subsection 7d71 z s      
r$esignat$-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by    
/rik+ subsection 7c7 & ins]t+ subsection
 7a72 &  7ii7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ 
new p>agraph3  7#c7 ,an individual      
receiv+ m>ket pay "u subsection 7a7 may 
n receive a non-=eign co/ ( liv+        
all[ance "u section #eida ( title #e4  2

 &  7,i7 9 subsection 7e71 z s          
r$esignat$1 by /rik+ subsection 7c71    
7d71 or 7e7 except = ! responsibilities 
( ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7e77#a7 &   
ins]t+ subsections 7a7 or 7b7 except = !
 responsibilities ( ! ,secret>y "u      
subsection 7b77#a74  7#b7 ,con=m+       
am5dm5ts  7,a7 ,inc5tives = recruitm5t  
,section #gjf7;d77#f7 ( title #ch1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+  
total am\nt ( comp5sation "u section    
#gdca7;e77#d7 & ins]t+ total am\nt (    
m>ket pay "u section #gdca4  7,b7 ,aw>ds
 ,section #gdjd;,a7c7 ( su* title is    
am5d$ by /rik+ ! limitation "u section  
#gdca7;e77#d7 & ins]t+ a limitation "u  
section #gdca4  7,c7 ,additional pay    
au?orities ,section #gdaj7;a77#b7 ( su* 
title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! limitation "u 
section #gdca7;e77#d7 & ins]t+ a        
limitation "u section #gdca4  7,d7 ,pay 
( ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal? ,section       
#gdcb7;b77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7i7
 by ins]t+ 1 podiatri/1 optometri/1 aft]
 physician2 &  7ii7 by /rik+ #gdca7;c7 &

 ins]t+ #gdca4  7,e7 ,adm9i/rative      
matt]s ,section #gdcc ( su* title is    
am5d$ by ins]t+ optometri/s1 aft]       
physicians1 ea* place x appe>s4  7,f7   
,competitive pay ,section               
#gdea7;a77#b77;,c7 ( su* title is am5d$ 
by ins]t+ optometri/1 aft] physician14  
7,g7 ,comp5sation & pr(essional /&>ds = 
c]ta9 m$ical (fic]s ,section #bg7;b7 ( !
 ,c5tral ,intellig5ce ,ag5cy ,act (     
#aidi 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #cebh7;b77 is am5d$
 by /rik+ section #gdca7;e77#a77;,c7 &  
ins]t+ section #gdca7;b77#a77;,c74  7#c7
 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts  7,a7 ,section head+ 
7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! head+ = section #gdca ( 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code is am5d$ 
to read z foll[s3  #gdca4 ,m>ket pay  4 
7ii7 ,table ( sections ,! table (       
sections at ! beg9n+ ( sub*apt] ,,iii ( 
*apt] #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+  
to section #gdca & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new  
item3  #gdca4 ,m>ket pay4  4  7,b7      
,sub*apt] head+  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! head+ =
 sub*apt] ,,iii ( *apt] #gd ( su* title 

is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  ,,iii ,pay =
 physicians & o!r heal?-c>e p]sonnel  4 
7ii7 ,table ( sections ,! table (       
sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #gd ( su*  
title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to
 sub*apt] ,,iii & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new   
item3  ,,sub*apt] ,,iii--,pay =         
physicians & o!r heal?-c>e p]sonnel  4  
7#d7 ,application  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!     
am5dm5ts made by ?is subsection %all    
apply to any pay p]iod ( ! ,dep>tm5t (  
,vet]ans ,affairs beg9n+ on or aft] !   
date t is #cj days aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7,b7 ,p]=mance pay
 = ye> ( enactm5t ,! ,secret>y (        
,vet]ans ,affairs may pay p]=mance pay  
"u section #gdca7;d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 z 9 effect on ! day be=e 
! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 = !     
cal5d> ye> 9 :i* ?is ,act is enact$4    
7b7 ,modification & cl>ification ( pay  
grade = optometri/s ,section #gdjd ( su*
 title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection     
7a77#b77;,a71 by /rik+ podiatri/s1 &    
d5ti/s & ins]t+ podiatri/s1 optometri/s1

 & d5ti/s2 &  7#b7 9 ! li/ 9 subsection 
7b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ,,podiatri/ 7,,dpm71
 ,,& ,,d5ti/ & ins]t+ ,,podiatri/       
7,,dpm71 ,,optometri/ 7,,od71 ,,&       
,,d5ti/2 &  7,b7 by /rik+ ,,cl9ical     
,,*iropractor ,,& ,,optometri/ ,,s*$ule1
 & ins]t+ ,,cl9ical ,,*iropractor       
,,s*$ule4  7c7 ,retroactive au?ority =  
comp5sation  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs is retroactively    
au?oriz$ to pay to a cov]$ employee !   
am\nt ( comp5sation t 0 au?oriz$ to be  
paid to ! employee dur+ ! p]iod specifi$
 9 p>agraph 7#b7 b 0 def]r$ & paid to ! 
employee 9 ! cal5d> ye> foll[+ ! cal5d> 
ye> 9 :i* x 0 au?oriz$ to be paid       
because x exce$$ #djj1jjj 9 a cal5d>    
ye>4  7#b7 ,p]iod specifi$ ,! p]iod     
specifi$ 9 ?is p>agraph is ! p]iod      
beg9n+ on ,janu>y #h1 #bjjf1 & end+ on  
,decemb] #ca1 #bjag4  7#c7 ,additional  
p]iod ,comp5sation au?oriz$ "u ?is      
subsection %all n be includ$ 9 !        
calculation ( any aggregate limit on    
comp5sation = a cov]$ employee = ! ye> 9

 :i* x is paid4  7#d7 ,*>g+ (           
comp5sation ,comp5sation au?oriz$ "u ?is
 subsection %all be *>g$ to !           
appropriate m$ical c>e appropriation    
acc\nt ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs
 = ! fiscal ye> 9 :i* ! "w 0 p]=m$      
except z foll[s3 7,a7 ,9 ! case ( an    
acc\nt t has clos$ pursuant to section  
#aeeb ( title #ca1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
! comp5sation %all be *>g$ to a curr5t  
appropriation acc\nt 9 accordance )     
section #aeec ( su* title4  7,b7 ,9 !   
case ( an expir$ acc\nt t has n clos$1  
if *>g+ ! comp5sation to ! expir$ acc\nt
 w\ld cause su* acc\nt to h a negative  
unliquidat$ or unexp5d$ balance1 !      
comp5sation may be *>g$ to a curr5t     
appropriation acc\nt available = ! same 
purpose4  7#e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is       
subsection3 7,a7 ,comp5sation ,! t]m    
comp5sation means any pay1 includ+      
sal>y1 aw>ds1 & inc5tives4  7,b7 ,cov]$ 
employee ,! t]m cov]$ employee means a  
physician1 podiatri/1 optometri/1 or    
d5ti/ subject to m>ket pay "u section   

#gdca ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
z am5d$ by subsection 7a74  #bjb4       
,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] ,i ( *apt] #gd ( title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3     
#gdad4 ,pay = directors ( m$ical c5t]s &
 directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice
 ,networks  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,to reflect !  
recruitm5t & ret5tion ne$s ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 = ! assignm5t ( a p>ticul> director 9 a
 m$ical c5t] or ,vet]ans ,integrat$     
,s]vice ,network ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 !       
,secret>y %all prescribe a sy/em ( pay =
 individuals appo9t$ "u section #gdja7d7
 ( ?is title4  7b7 ,m>ket pay  7#a7 ,9  
g5]al ,! annual am\nt ( ! m>ket rate (  
pay ( an individual 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 ( ! individual 9 

manag+ facilities or programs ( !       
,dep>tm5t or o!r simil> ag5cies or      
companies1 :e!r gov]nm5tal or           
nongov]nm5tal2  7ii7 ! complexity ( !   
assignm5t ( ! individual1 :e!r assign$  
or to be assign$2  7iii7 ! labor m>ket =
 individuals 9 simil> positions1 :i* may
 cov] any geographic area ! ,secret>y   
consid]s appropriate2  7iv7 ! exp]i5ce (
 ! individual 9 p]=m+ ! assignm5t ( !   
individual1 :e!r assign$ or to be       
assign$2 &  7v7 su* o!r consid]ations z 
! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4  7#b7 
,evaluation & adju/m5t  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!
 m>ket rate ( pay provid$ "u ?is        
subsection %all be evaluat$ by !        
,secret>y n less frequ5tly ?an once e   
two ye>s4  7,b7 ,adju/m5t ,! m>ket rate 
( pay ( an individual may be adju/$ z ! 
result ( an evaluation "u subp>agraph   
7,a74  7,c7 ,notice ( results ,an       
individual ^: 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 ,m9imum &
 maximum am\nts  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,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           
,publication & effective date ( am\nts  
,am\nts prescrib$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7   
%all be publi%$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] &    
%all take effect n e>li] ?an #fj days   
aft] ! date ( publication4  7,c7        
,maximum  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$
 9 clause 7ii71 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  7ii7 ,waiv] ,!        
,secret>y may waive ! limitation "u     
clause 7i7 7to include ti] limitations7 
if ! ,secret>y det]m9es x is necess>y = 
! recruitm5t or ret5tion ( critical     
heal? c>e p]sonnel1 z det]m9$ by !      
,secret>y4  7#b7 ,limitation on r$uction
 ,no adju/m5t ( ! m>ket rate ( pay "u   

subsection 7b77#b77;,b7 may result 9 a  
r$uction ( ! am\nt ( ! m>ket rate ( pay 
( an individual :ile 9 ! same position  
or assignm5t at ! same location4  7d7   
,treatm5t ( pay  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,pay "u  
subsection 7b7 %all be consid]$ pay =   
all purposes1 includ+ retirem5t b5efits 
"u *apt]s #hc & #hd ( title #e & o!r    
b5efits4  7#b7 ,co/-(-liv+ all[ance ,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 ( 
! enactm5t ( ! ,,va ,cl9ician           
,appreciation1 ,recruitm5t1 ,education1 
,expansion1 & ,ret5tion ,support        
7,,c>e]s7 ,act ( #bjbc1 & 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 #gdac ! foll[+ new item3  #gdad4
 ,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$-- 7#a7 9  
subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ 7,a7 ,!
 annual & ins]t+ ,! annual2 &  7,b7 by  
/rik+ & #gdja7d72 &  7#b7 by /rik+      
subp>agraph 7,b74  #bjc4 ,waiv] ( pay   
limitation = employees ( ! ,vet]ans     
,heal? ,adm9i/ration p]=m+ mission      
critical "w  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i (
 *apt] #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 z am5d$ by section #bjb7;a77#a71 
is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+
 new section3  #gdae4 ,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$4 
4  7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (      
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* sub*apt]1 z  
am5d$ by section #bjb7;a77#b71 is fur!r 
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #gdad ! foll[+ new item3  #gdae4
 ,waiv] ( pay limitation = employees    
p]=m+ mission critical "w4  4  #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+ #ajj1jjj4  #bje4       
,modification ( special pay au?ority =  
nurse executives ,section #gdeb7;g7 (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+  
,dep>tm5t nurse executives1 ! ,secret>y 

may1 9 accordance ) & all t foll[s ?r\gh
 ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ nurse        
executives = ! ,vet]ans ,heal?          
,adm9i/ration1 ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal? 
may pay special pay to p]sonnel ( !     
,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration :o are    
nurse executives42 &  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 ?ree 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 
,waiv] ( c]ta9 lic5sure requirem5ts  7a7
 ,psy*ologi/s ,p>agraph 7#h77;,c7 (     
section #gdjb7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+  
individual psy*ologi/ = a p]iod & ins]t+
 individual psy*ologi/-- 7i7 = a p]iod  
2  7#b7 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end &     
ins]t+ 2 or2 &  7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! 
foll[+ new clause3  7ii7 = a reasonable 
p]iod recomm5d$ 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+
 1 except t ! ,secret>y may waive !     
requirem5t ( lic5sure or c]tification = 
an individual pr(essional m5tal heal?   
c\nselor = a reasonable p]iod ( "t      
recomm5d$ by ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal?44 
,c ,o!r p]sonnel matt]s  #bba4 ,role (  

optometri/s 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs  7a7 ,inclusion z physician    
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gdac ( title    
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$--    
7,a7 9 ! section head+1 by ins]t+ &     
optometri/s aft] podiatri/s2  7,b7 9    
subsection 7a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ a doctor (
 podiatric m$ic9e :o is appo9t$ z a     
podiatri/ "u section #gdja7a7 ( ?is     
title & ins]t+ a cov]$ individual2 &    
7ii7 by /rik+ su* section & ins]t+      
section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title2 &  7,c7 by
 add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 
7c7 ,cov]$ individual def9$ ,9 ?is      
section1 ! t]m cov]$ individual means   
any ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,a doctor (        
podiatric m$ic9e :o is appo9t$ z a      
podiatri/ "u section #gdja7a7 ( ?is     
title4  7#b7 ,a doctor ( optometry :o is
 appo9t$ z an optometri/ "u section     
#gdja7a7 ( ?is title4  4  7#b7 ,cl]ical 
am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ 
( sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #gd ( su* title is
 am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section
 #gdac & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item       

#gdac4 ,treatm5t ( podiatri/s &         
optometri/s2 cl9ical ov]sight /&>ds4  4 
7b7 ,cl>ification ( role ,section #gcjf 
( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection
 7a7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#f71 by /rik+ 1 
a ,director ( ,dietetic ,s]vice1 & a    
,director ( ,optometric ,s]vice & ins]t+
 & a ,director ( ,dietetic ,s]vice2     
7,b7 by r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#ab7 z     
p>agraph 7#ac72 &  7,c7 by ins]t+ aft]  
p>agraph 7#aa7 ! foll[+ new p>agraph    
7#ab73  7#ab7 ,an ,executive ,director (
 ,optometric ,s]vice1 :o %all be a      
qualifi$ doctor ( optometry & :o %all be
 responsible to ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal?
 = ! op]ation ( ! ,optometric ,s]vice4  
2  7#b7 9 subsection 7b77#a71 by ins]t+ 
optometry1 aft] podiatric m$ic9e12 &    
7#c7 9 subsection 7c71 by /rik+ & 7#aj7 
& ins]t+ 7#aj71 & 7#ab74  #bbb4         
,expansion ( annual leave options =     
employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs dur+ public heal? em]g5cy  7a7 
,acc\nt = consolidation ( c]ta9 annual  
leave  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ any o!r   

provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs %all consolidate into "o re/or$
 annual leave acc\nt all annual leave   
re/or$ pursuant to section              
#fcjd7;d77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 dur+ cal5d> ye>s #bjbj1   
#bjba1 & #bjbb = cov]$ employees :o are 
employ$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is   
,act4  7#b7 ,additional cal5d> ye>s ,!  
,secret>y may consolidate into ! annual 
leave acc\nt describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7   
annual leave re/or$ pursuant to section 
#fcjd7;d77#a77;,b7 ( su* title dur+     
cal5d> ye>s n describ$ 9 su* p>agraph ) 
! approval ( ! ,director ( ! ,(fice (   
,p]sonnel ,managem5t4  7b7 ,leave       
expiration ,annual leave consolidat$    
into ! annual leave acc\nt describ$ 9   
subsection 7a77#a7 %all be us$ be=e !   
lat] (-- 7#a7 ,janu>y #i1 #bjbg2 &  7#b7
 ! applicable deadl9e pursuant to       
section #fcj4cji ( title #e1 ,code (    
,f$]al ,regulations1 or successor       
regulation4  7c7 ,program ( lump sum    

paym5ts  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to !    
availability ( appropriations1 !        
,secret>y may e/abli% a program "u :i*1 
dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act & end+ on ,janu>y   
#i1 #bjbg1 a cov]$ employee ) annual    
leave describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a7 may 
elect to receive a s+le lump sum paym5t 
l9 lieu ( us+ su* leave4  7#b7 ,treatm5t
 ( lump sum paym5ts ,a lump sum paym5t  
"u a program e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7  
%all be treat$ z sep>ate & ap>t f any   
lump sum paym5t ( annual leave ! cov]$  
employee may o!rwise be entitl$ to ^u   
sep>ation f employm5t ) ! ,dep>tm5t4    
7d7 ,cov]$ employee def9$ ,9 ?is        
section1 ! t]m cov]$ employee means an  
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs :o-- 7#a7 0 appo9t$ "u *apt]   
#gc or #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 not)/&+ section #gdba7;a7 ( su*  
title1 section #gdbe7;b7 ( su* title1 or
 any o!r provision ( su* *apt] t impacts
 leave = su* an employee2  7#b7 0       
appo9t$ "u *apt] #gh ( su* title2 or    

7#c7 occupi$ any position "u !          
jurisdiction ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs t is subject to ! leave        
provisions ( *apt] #fc ( title #e1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #bbc4 ,expansion (
 reimbursem5t ( cont9u+ pr(essional     
education exp5ses  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section
 #gdaa ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1
 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  #gdaa4     
,reimbursem5t ( cont9u+ pr(essional     
education exp5ses ,! ,secret>y %all     
reimburse c]ta9 full-"t heal? c>e       
pr(essionals ( ! ,dep>tm5t = exp5ses    
incurr$ = cont9u+ pr(essional education 
9 am\nts z foll[s3 7#a7 ,) respect to   
any physician1 d5ti/1 podiatri/1        
*iropractor1 optometri/1 regi/]$ nurse1 
or physician assi/ant appo9t$ "u section
 #gdja7a7 ( ?is title1 n m ?an #a1jjj p]
 ye> = ea* su* individual4  7#b7 ,)     
respect to any lic5s$ practical or      
vocational nurse1 m$ical te*nologi/1    
ph>maci/1 ph>macy te*nician1 psy*ologi/1
 diagno/ic radiologic te*nologi/1 or    
social work] appo9t$ "u section #gdja7c7

 ( ?is title1 n m ?an #a1jjj p] ye> =   
ea* su* individual4  4  7b7 ,cl]ical    
am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ 
( sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #gd ( title #ch1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ !
 item relat+ to section #gdaa & ins]t+ !
 foll[+ new item3  #gdaa4 ,reimbursem5t 
( cont9u+ pr(essional education exp5ses4
  4  #bbd4 ,inclusion ( police (fic]s ( 
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs z law     
en=cem5t (fic]s  7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is 
section-- 7#a7 ! t]m ,director means !  
,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel        
,managem5t2  7#b7 ! t]m ,fund means !   
,civil ,s]vice ,retirem5t & ,disability 
,fund2  7#c7 ! t]m incumb5t means an    
individual :o-- 7,a7 0 appo9t$ z a law  
en=cem5t (fic] be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( 
?is ,act2 &  7,b7 is s]v+ z a law       
en=cem5t (fic] on ! date ( enactm5t (   
?is ,act2  7#d7 ! t]m law en=cem5t (fic]
 means an individual :o satisfies !     
requirem5ts ( section #hcca7bj7 or      
#hdja7ag7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code1 by virtue ( ! am5dm5ts made by   

?is section2  7#e7 ! t]m prior s]vice   
means1 ) respect to an incumb5t :o makes
 an election "u subsection 7c77#b71     
s]vice p]=m$ by ! incumb5t be=e ! date  
on :i* appropriate retirem5t d$uctions  
beg9 to be made "u ! election2 &  7#f7 !
 t]m s]vice means s]vice p]=m$ by an    
individual z a law en=cem5t (fic]4  7b7 
,civil ,s]vice ,retirem5t ,sy/em  7#a7  
,9 g5]al ,title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1
 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 section #hcca7bj71 9 
! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by
 ins]t+ 7or :o is describ$ 9 section    
#hdja7ag77;,e77 aft] crim9al laws ( !   
,unit$ ,/ates2 &  7ii7 by ins]t+ 7or :o 
is s describ$7 aft] engag$ 9 ?is        
activity2 &  7,b7 9 section #hdja7ag7-- 
7i7 9 subp>agraph 7,c7-- 7,i7 by /rik+  
subp>agraph 7,a7 & 7,b7 & ins]t+        
subp>agraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,e72 &      
7,,ii7 by /rik+ & at ! end2  7ii7 9 !   
flu% text foll[+ subp>agraph 7,d77iii71 
by add+ & aft] ! semicolon at ! end2 &  
7iii7 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 #ch1 z det]m9$  
by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2  4  
7#b7 ,application ,! am5dm5ts made by   
?is subsection %all apply to any-- 7,a7 
individual :o is appo9t$ z a law        
en=cem5t (fic]-- 7i7 z def9$ 9 section  
#hcca7bj7 or #hdja7ag7 ( title #e1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by ?is     
subsection2 &  7ii7 on or aft] ! date ( 
enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 &  7,b7 incumb5t1  
consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( ?is section4 
7c7 ,treatm5t ( s]vice p]=m$ by         
incumb5ts  7#a7 ,s]vice on or aft] date 
( enactm5t ,s]vice p]=m$ by an incumb5t 
on or aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act 
%all be treat$ z s]vice p]=m$ z a law   
en=cem5t (fic]4  7#b7 ,s]vice be=e date 
( enactm5t ,s]vice p]=m$ by an incumb5t 
be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act %all1 
= purposes ( sub*apt] ,,iii ( *apt] #hc 
& *apt] #hd ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 be treat$ z s]vice p]=m$ z a law 
en=cem5t (fic] only if ! incumb5t       
submits a writt5 election to ! ,director

 by ! e>li] (-- 7,a7 ! date t is #e ye>s
 aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 or  
7,b7 ! day be=e ! date on :i* ! incumb5t
 sep>ates f ! s]vice4  7d7 ,individual  
contributions = prior s]vice  7#a7 ,9   
g5]al ,an incumb5t :o makes an election 
"u subsection 7c77#b7 may1 ) respect to 
prior s]vice p]=m$ by ! incumb5t1 pay a 
deposit into ! ,fund equal to ! sum (-- 
7,a7 ! diff]5ce betwe5-- 7i7 ! am\nt t  
w\ld h be5 d$uct$ dur+ ! p]iod ( prior  
s]vice "u section #hccd or #hdbb ( title
 #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 f ! pay ( !   
incumb5t if ! am5dm5ts made by ?is      
section _h be5 9 effect dur+ ! prior    
s]vice2 &  7ii7 ! am\nt t 0 d$uct$ dur+ 
! p]iod ( prior s]vice "u section #hccd 
or #hdbb ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates      
,code2 &  7,b7 int]e/ on ! am\nt        
describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a77i71 z       
comput$ "u-- 7i7 p>agraphs 7#b7 & 7#c7 (
 section #hccd7;e7 ( title #e1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code2 &  7ii7 regulations       
promulgat$ by ! ,director4  7#b7 ,effect
 ( n contribut+ ,if an incumb5t does n  

pay ! full am\nt ( ! deposit describ$ 9 
p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 all prior s]vice ( 
! incumb5t %all rema9 fully cr$itable z 
a law en=cem5t (fic]2 &  7,b7 ! result+ 
annuity %all be r$uc$-- 7i7 9 a mann]   
simil> to t describ$ 9 section          
#hccd7;d77#b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code2 &  7ii7 to ! ext5t necess>y to   
make up ! am\nt unpaid4  7e7 ,gov]nm5t  
contributions = prior s]vice  7#a7 ,9   
g5]al ,if an incumb5t makes an election 
"u subsection 7c77#b71 an ag5cy t       
employ$ ! incumb5t dur+ any prior s]vice
 ( ! incumb5t %all remit to ! ,director1
 = deposit 9 ! ,fund1 an am\nt equal to 
! sum (-- 7,a7 ! diff]5ce betwe5-- 7i7 !
 total am\nt ( ,gov]nm5t contributions t
 w\ld h be5 paid "u section #hccd or    
#hdbc ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1  
if ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section _h be5
 9 effect dur+ ! prior s]vice2 &  7ii7 !
 total am\nt ( ,gov]nm5t contributions  
paid "u section #hccd or #hdbc ( title  
#e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 &  7,b7 int]e/ 
on ! am\nt describ$ 9 subp>agraph       

7,a77i71 z comput$ 9 accordance )-- 7i7 
p>agraphs 7#b7 & 7#c7 ( section         
#hccd7;e7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code2 &  7ii7 regulations promulgat$ by
 ! ,director4  7#b7 ,contributions to be
 made ratably ,gov]nm5t contributions "u
 ?is subsection on behalf ( an incumb5t 
%all be made by ! ag5cy ratably 7n less 
frequ5tly ?an annually7 ov] ! #aj-ye>   
p]iod beg9n+ on ! date describ$ 9       
subsection 7a77#e74  7f7 ,exemption f   
m&atory sep>ation ,not)/&+ sections     
#hcce7;b7 & #hdbe7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 a law en=cem5t (fic] %all
 n be subject to m&atory sep>ation dur+ 
! #c-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date (       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7g7 ,regulations  
,! ,director %all prescribe regulations 
to c>ry out ?is section1 & ! am5dm5ts   
made by ?is section1 includ+ regulations
 = ! application ( ?is section 7& ^?    
am5dm5ts7 9 ! case ( any individual     
entitl$ to a survivor annuity 7bas$ on !
 s]vice ( an incumb5t :o dies be=e mak+ 
an election "u subsection 7c77#b771 to !

 ext5t t any rights t w\ld h be5        
available to ! dec$5t if /ill liv+4  7h7
 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is        
section1 or an am5dm5t made by ?is      
section1 %all be consid]$ to apply 9 !  
case ( a reemploy$ annuitant4  #bbe4    
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs p]sonnel  
transp>5cy  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #eje (
 ! ,john ,s4 ,mc,cain ,,iii1 ,daniel ,k4
 ,akaka1 & ,samuel ,r4 ,johnson ,,va    
,ma9ta9+ ,int]nal ,sy/ems & ,/r5g!n+    
,integrat$ ,outside ,networks ,act (    
#bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ahb2 #ch       
,u4,s4,c4 #cja note7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9  
subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 
7i7 9 ! matt] be=e subp>agraph 7,a71 by 
/rik+ in=mation1 & all t foll[s ?r\gh   
facility3 & ins]t+ in=mation32  7ii7 9  
subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7,i7 by ins]t+ 7i7   
be=e ,! numb]2 &  7,,ii7 by add+ at !   
end ! foll[+ new clause3  7ii7          
,in=mation made available "u ?is        
subp>agraph %all be updat$ n less       
frequ5tly ?an once ea* qu>t] to acc\nt =
 delays 9 data process+ & %all reflect !

 mo/ rec5tly available data4  2  7iii7 9
 subp>agraph 7,c71 by /rik+ vacancies1  
by occupation4 & ins]t+ positions       
curr5tly und]go+ a recruitm5t action1   
disaggregat$ by occupation & by /age (  
recruitm5t1 includ+ pre-po/+1 po/+      
process+ /age1 recruitm5t /age1 onbo>d+ 
/age1 & wait+ to />t /age1 or successor 
/ages if modifi$42 &  7iv7 by add+ at ! 
end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3  7,f7 ,!  
numb] ( positions vacat$ t ! ,secret>y z
 decid$ n to backfill1 disaggregat$ by  
occupation4  2  7,b7 by r$esignat+      
p>agraph 7#e7 z p>agraph 7#f72  7,c7 by 
ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#d7 ! foll[+ new  
p>agraph 7#e73  7#e7 ,display (         
in=mation ,! display ( in=mation made   
publicly available on an ,int]net       
website ( ! ,dep>tm5t pursuant to       
p>agraph 7#a71 subject to subp>agraph   
7,d7 ( su* p>agraph1 %all be            
disaggregat$-- 7,a7 by dep>tm5tal       
compon5t2  7,b7 9 ! case ( in=mation    
relat+ to ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 
positions1 by m$ical facility2 &  7,c7 9

 ! case ( in=mation relat+ to ,vet]ans  
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration positions1 by    
regional (fice4  2 &  7,d7 9 p>agraph   
7#f71 z r$esignat$ by subp>agraph 7,b71 
by /rik+ %all & all t foll[s & ins]t+   
8%all--  7,a7 review ! adm9i/ration ( ! 
website requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a72  7,b7 
develop recomm5dations relat+ to !      
improvem5t ( su* adm9i/ration2 &  7,c7  
submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives a report conta9+-- 7i7 !
 f9d+s ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al ) respect  
to ! mo/ rec5t review conduct$ "u       
subp>agraph 7,a72 &  7ii7 !             
recomm5dations mo/ rec5tly develop$ "u  
subp>agraph 7,b74  2 &  7#b7 by am5d+   
subsection 7b7 to read z foll[s3  7b7   
,annual report ,ea* ye>1 ! ,secret>y    
%all submit to ,congress an annual      
report t includes ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,a     
description ( ! /eps ! ,dep>tm5t is tak+
 to a*ieve full /aff+ capacity4  7#b7 ,a
 description ( ! actions ! ,dep>tm5t is 

tak+ to improve ! onbo>d timel9e =      
facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+-- 7,a7
 9 ! case ( facilities ( ! ,vet]ans     
,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 = facilities = :i*
 ! duration ( ! onbo>d+ process exce$s !
 metrics laid out 9 ! ,"t to ,hire      
,model ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?              
,adm9i/ration1 or successor model2 &    
7,b7 9 ! case ( ,vet]ans ,b5efits       
,adm9i/ration1 = regional (fices t exce$
 ! "t-to-hire t>get ( ! ,(fice (        
,p]sonnel ,managem5t4  7#c7 ,! am\nt (  
additional funds necess>y to enable !   
,dep>tm5t to rea* full /aff+ capacity4  
7#d7 ,su* recomm5dations = legislative  
or adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y may
 h 9 ord] to a*ieve full /aff+ capacity 
at ! ,dep>tm5t4  4  7b7 ,effective date 
,! am5dm5ts made by subsection 7a7 %all 
take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act & %all apply ) respect to ! fir/  
update "u section #eje7;a77#c7 ( su*    
,act beg9n+ aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (  
?is ,act & ea* update !reaft]4  #bbf4   
,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
 ( ! ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ an assessm5t
 ( ! activities c>ri$ out "u ! ,program1
 ! results ( ^? activities1 & h[ !      
,adm9i/ration measures ! p]=mance ( ^?  
activities4  7#b7 ,! human res\rces     
in=mation te*nology sy/ems ( !          
,adm9i/ration1 includ+ ! p]=mance1      
accuracy1 effici5cy1 & us]-ability ( ^? 
sy/ems = human res\rces pr(essionals1   
manag]s ) hir+ au?ority1 & o!r employees

 ( ! ,adm9i/ration :o use ^? sy/ems4    
7#c7 ,metrics & timel9es us$ to report  
hir+ & vacancy data )9 ! ,adm9i/ration1 
includ+ recruitm5t & ret5tion data4     
7#d7 ,tr5ds 9 hir+1 recruitm5t1         
ret5tion1 & vacancies among employees ( 
! ,adm9i/ration4  7#e7 ,! use by !      
,adm9i/ration ( au?orities & waiv]s =   
hir+ flexibility1 includ+ an assessm5t (
 ! /&>dization ( use ( su* au?orities & 
waiv]s )9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$       
,s]vice ,network4  7#f7 ,tra9+1         
developm5t1 & workload ( human res\rces 
pr(essionals ( ! ,adm9i/ration4  7#g7   
,su* o!r matt]s z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al  
consid]s relevant4