CHAPTER 74 —VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION—PERSONNEL
SUBCHAPTER I—APPOINTMENTS
SUBCHAPTER II—COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
SUBCHAPTER III—SPECIAL PAY FOR PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS
SUBCHAPTER IV—PAY FOR NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH-CARE PERSONNEL
SUBCHAPTER V—DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
SUBCHAPTER VI—REGIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION CENTERS
Amendments
1991—
Chapter Referred to in Other Sections
This chapter is referred to in title 5 sections 2105, 5302, 5371.
SUBCHAPTER I—APPOINTMENTS
Subchapter Referred to in Other Sections
This subchapter is referred to in
§7401. Appointments in Veterans Health Administration
There may be appointed by the Secretary such personnel as the Secretary may find necessary for the medical care of veterans (in addition to those in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health appointed under
(1) Physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries.
(2) Psychologists (other than those described in paragraph (3)), dietitians, and other scientific and professional personnel, such as microbiologists, chemists, biostatisticians, and medical and dental technologists.
(3) Clinical or counseling psychologists who hold diplomas as diplomates in psychology from an accrediting authority approved by the Secretary, certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7402. Qualifications of appointees
(a) To be eligible for appointment to the positions in the Administration covered by subsection (b), a person must have the applicable qualifications set forth in that subsection.
(b)(1)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of medicine or of doctor of osteopathy from a college or university approved by the Secretary,
(B) have completed an internship satisfactory to the Secretary, and
(C) be licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy in a State.
(2)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine from a college or university approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be licensed to practice dentistry in a State.
(3)
(A) have successfully completed a full course of nursing in a recognized school of nursing, approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be registered as a graduate nurse in a State.
(4)
(5)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine, or its equivalent, from a school of podiatric medicine approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be licensed to practice podiatry in a State.
(6)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of optometry, or its equivalent, from a school of optometry approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be licensed to practice optometry in a State.
(7)
(A) hold the degree of bachelor of science in pharmacy, or its equivalent, from a school of pharmacy, approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be registered as a pharmacist in a State.
(8)
(A) hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a college or university approved by the Secretary,
(B) have completed study for such degree in a specialty area of psychology and an internship which are satisfactory to the Secretary, and
(C) be licensed or certified as a psychologist in a State, except that the Secretary may waive the requirement of licensure or certification for an individual psychologist for a period not to exceed two years on the condition that that psychologist provide patient care only under the direct supervision of a psychologist who is so licensed or certified.
(9)
(10)
(c) Except as provided in
(d) A person may not be appointed under
(e) A person may not serve as Chief of Staff of a Department health-care facility if the person is not serving on a full-time basis.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (d).
1991—Subsec. (b)(9), (10).
Effective Date of 1991 Amendment
Section 305(b) of
Requirements Respecting Basic Proficiency in Spoken and Written English of Appointees After November 23, 1977
Section 4(a)(3) of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7403. Period of appointments; promotions
(a)(1) Appointments under this chapter of health-care professionals to whom this section applies may be made only after qualifications have been satisfactorily established in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, without regard to civil-service requirements.
(2) This section applies to the following persons appointed under this chapter:
(A) Physicians.
(B) Dentists.
(C) Podiatrists.
(D) Optometrists.
(E) Nurses.
(F) Physician assistants.
(G) Expanded-function dental auxiliaries.
(b)(1) Appointments described in subsection (a) shall be for a probationary period of two years.
(2) The record of each person serving under such an appointment in the Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services shall be reviewed from time to time by a board, appointed in accordance with regulations of the Secretary. If such a board finds that such person is not fully qualified and satisfactory, such person shall be separated from the service.
(c) Promotions of persons to whom this section applies shall be made only after examination given in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Advancement within grade may be made in increments of the minimum rate of basic pay of the grade in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(d) In determining eligibility for reinstatement in the Federal civil service of persons appointed to positions in the Administration under this chapter who at the time of appointment have a civil-service status, and whose employment in the Administration is terminated, the period of service performed in the Administration shall be included in computing the period of service under applicable civil-service rules and regulations.
(e) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the grade and annual rate of basic pay of a person to whom this section applies whose level of assignment is changed from a level of assignment in which the grade level is based on both the nature of the assignment and personal qualifications may be adjusted to the grade and annual rate of basic pay otherwise appropriate.
(f)(1) Upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, the Secretary may—
(A) use the authority in subsection (a) to establish the qualifications for and (subject to paragraph (2)) to appoint individuals to positions listed in
(B) use the authority provided in subsection (c) for the promotion and advancement of Department employees serving in such positions.
(2) In using such authority to appoint individuals to such positions, the Secretary shall apply the principles of preference for the hiring of veterans and other persons established in subchapter I of
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title or other law, all matters relating to adverse actions, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures involving individuals appointed to such positions (including similar actions and procedures involving an employee in a probationary status) shall be resolved under the provisions of title 5 as though such individuals had been appointed under that title.
(g)(1) The Secretary may appoint in the competitive civil service without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of
(A) has a recognized degree or certificate from an accredited institution in a health-care profession or occupation; and
(B) has successfully completed a clinical education program affiliated with the Department.
(2) In using the authority provided by this subsection, the Secretary shall apply the principles of preference for the hiring of veterans and other persons established in subchapter I of
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (f)(1).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7404. Grades and pay scales
(a) The annual rates or ranges of rates of basic pay for positions provided in
(b)(1) The grades for positions provided for in paragraph (1) of
physician and dentist schedule
Director grade.
Executive grade.
Chief grade.
Senior grade.
Intermediate grade.
Full grade.
Associate grade.
nurse schedule
Nurse V.
Nurse IV.
Nurse III.
Nurse II.
Nurse I.
clinical podiatrist and optometrist schedule
Chief grade.
Senior grade.
Intermediate grade.
Full grade.
Associate grade.
(2) A person may not hold the director grade in the Physician and Dentist Schedule unless the person is serving as a director of a hospital, domiciliary, center, or outpatient clinic (independent), or comparable position. A person may not hold the executive grade in that Schedule unless the person holds the position of chief of staff at a hospital, center, or outpatient clinic (independent), or comparable position.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of
(d) Except as provided under subchapter III and in
(1) Level IV for the Deputy Under Secretary for Health.
(2) Level V for all other positions for which such basic pay is paid under this section.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(a)–(d) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (d)(1).
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Section 308 of
Adjustment of Pay Rates Effective for Pay Periods Beginning On or After January 1, 1995
Ex. Ord. No. 12944, Dec. 28, 1994, 60 F.R. 309, set out as a note under
| Schedule for the Office of the Under Secretary for Health ( |
|||
| Deputy Under Secretary for Health | $115,384 | ||
| Associate Deputy Under Secretary for Health | 2 110,516 | ||
| Assistant Under Secretaries for Health | 107,259 | ||
| Minimum | Maximum | ||
| Medical Directors | $91,514 | $103,718 | |
| Service Directors | 79,684 | 98,960 | |
| Director, National Center for Preventive Health | 67,941 | 98,960 | |
| Physician and Dentist Schedule | |||
| Director Grade | $79,684 | $98,960 | |
| Executive Grade | 73,579 | 93,774 | |
| Chief Grade | 67,941 | 88,326 | |
| Senior Grade | 57,760 | 75,085 | |
| Intermediate Grade | 48,878 | 63,539 | |
| Full Grade | 41,104 | 53,434 | |
| Associate Grade | 34,295 | 44,582 | |
| Clinical Podiatrist and Optometrist Schedule | |||
| Chief Grade | $67,941 | $88,326 | |
| Senior Grade | 57,760 | 75,085 | |
| Intermediate Grade | 48,878 | 63,539 | |
| Full Grade | 41,104 | 53,434 | |
| Associate Grade | 34,295 | 44,582 | |
| Physician Assistant and Expanded-Function Dental Auxiliary Schedule 3 | |||
| Director Grade | $67,941 | $88,326 | |
| Assistant Director Grade | 57,760 | 75,085 | |
| Chief Grade | 48,878 | 63,539 | |
| Senior Grade | 41,104 | 53,434 | |
| Intermediate Grade | 34,295 | 44,582 | |
| Full Grade | 28,345 | 36,850 | |
| Associate Grade | 24,392 | 31,709 | |
| Junior Grade | 20,852 | 27,107 | |
1 This schedule does not apply to the Assistant Under Secretary for Nursing Programs or the Director of Nursing Service. Pay for these positions is set by the Under Secretary for Health under
2 Pursuant to
3 Pursuant to section 301(a) of
Executive Order No. 11413
Ex. Ord. No. 11413, June 11, 1968, 33 F.R. 8641, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective July 1, 1968, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11474
Ex. Ord. No. 11474, June 16, 1969, 34 F.R. 9605, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective July 1, 1969, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11524
Ex. Ord. No. 11524, Apr. 15, 1970, 35 F.R. 6247, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective first pay period on or after Dec. 27, 1969, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11576
Ex. Ord. No. 11576, Jan. 8, 1971, 36 F.R. 347, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1971, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11637
Ex. Ord. No. 11637, Dec. 22, 1971, 36 F.R. 24911, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1972, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11691
Ex. Ord. No. 11691, Dec. 15, 1972, 37 F.R. 27607, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11777, Apr. 12, 1974, 39 F.R. 13519, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1972, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11739
Ex. Ord. No. 11739, Oct. 3, 1973, 38 F.R. 27581, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1973, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11811
Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1975, 39 F.R. 3602, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1974, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11883, Oct. 6, 1975, 40 F.R. 47091, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11883
Ex. Ord. No. 11883, Oct. 6, 1975, 40 F.R. 47091, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1975, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11941, Oct. 1, 1976, 41 F.R. 43889, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 11941
Ex. Ord. No. 11941, Oct. 1, 1976, 41 F.R. 43899, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11943, Oct. 25, 1976, 41 F.R. 47213, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1976, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12010, Sept. 28, 1977, 42 F.R. 52365, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12010
Ex. Ord. No. 12010, Sept. 28, 1977, 42 F.R. 52365, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1977, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12087, Oct. 7, 1978, 43 F.R. 46823, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12087
Ex. Ord. No. 12087, Oct. 7, 1978, 43 F.R. 46823, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1978, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12165, Oct. 9, 1979, 44 F.R. 58671, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12165
Ex. Ord. No. 12165, Oct. 9, 1979, 44 F.R. 58671, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12200, Mar. 12, 1980, 44 F.R. 16443, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1979, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12248, Oct. 16, 1980, 45 F.R. 69199, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12248
Ex. Ord. No. 12248, Oct. 16, 1980, 45 F.R. 69199, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1980, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12330, Oct. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 50921, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12330
Ex. Ord. No. 12330, Oct. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 50921, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1981, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12387, Oct. 8, 1982, 47 F.R. 44981, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12387
Ex. Ord. No. 12387, Oct. 8, 1982, 47 F.R. 44981, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1982, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12456, Dec. 30, 1983, 49 F.R. 347, as amended Ex. Ord. No. 12477, May 23, 1984, 49 F.R. 22041; Ex. Ord. No. 12487, Sept. 14, 1984, 49 F.R. 36493, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12438
Ex. Ord. No. 12438, Aug. 23, 1983, 48 F.R. 39205, which related to review of increases in rates of basic pay for employees of the Veterans' Administration, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12797, Apr. 3, 1992, 57 F.R. 11671, set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12456
Ex. Ord. No. 12456, Dec. 30, 1983, 49 F.R. 347, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12477, May 23, 1984, 49 F.R. 22041; Ex. Ord. No. 12487, Sept. 14, 1984, 49 F.R. 36493, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1984, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12496, Dec. 28, 1984, 50 F.R. 211, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12496
Ex. Ord. No. 12496, Dec. 28, 1984, 50 F.R. 211, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12540, Dec. 30, 1985, 51 F.R. 577, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1985, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12578, Dec. 31, 1986, 52 F.R. 505, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12578
Ex. Ord. No. 12578, Dec. 31, 1986, 52 F.R. 505, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1987, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12622, Dec. 31, 1987, 53 F.R. 222, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12622
Ex. Ord. No. 12622, Dec. 31, 1987, 53 F.R. 222, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1988, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12663, Jan. 6, 1989, 54 F.R. 791, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12663
Ex. Ord. No. 12663, Jan. 6, 1989, 54 F.R. 791, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1989, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12698, Dec. 23, 1989, 54 F.R. 53473, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12698
Ex. Ord. No. 12698, Dec. 23, 1989, 54 F.R. 53473, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1990, and Jan. 31, 1990, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12736, Dec. 12, 1990, 55 F.R. 51385, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12736
Ex. Ord. No. 12736, Dec. 12, 1990, 55 F.R. 51385, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1991, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12786, Dec. 26, 1991, 56 F.R. 67453, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12786
Ex. Ord. No. 12786, Dec. 26, 1991, 56 F.R. 67453, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1992, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12826, Dec. 30, 1992, 57 F.R. 62909, formerly set out as a note under
Executive Order No. 12826
Ex. Ord. No. 12826, Dec. 30, 1992, 57 F.R. 62909, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1993, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12944, Dec. 28, 1994, 60 F.R. 309, set out as a note under
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7405. Temporary full-time appointments, part-time appointments, and without-compensation appointments
(a) The Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, may employ, without regard to civil service or classification laws, rules, or regulations, personnel as follows:
(1) On a temporary full-time basis, part-time basis, or without compensation basis, persons in the following positions:
(A) Positions listed in
(B) Certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
(C) Dietitians, social workers, and librarians.
(D) Other professional, clerical, technical, and unskilled personnel (including interns, residents, trainees, and students in medical support programs).
(2) On a fee basis, persons in the following positions:
(A) Positions listed in
(B) Certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
(C) Other professional and technical personnel.
(b) Personnel employed under subsection (a)—
(1) shall be in addition to personnel described in section 7306, paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401, and
(2) shall be paid such rates of pay as the Secretary may prescribe.
(c)(1) Temporary full-time appointments under this section of persons in positions listed in
(2) Temporary full-time appointments of persons who have successfully completed a full course of nursing in a recognized school of nursing, approved by the Secretary, or who have successfully completed a full course of training for any category of personnel described in paragraph (3) of
(3) Temporary full-time appointments of other personnel may not be for a period in excess of one year except as authorized in subsection (f).
(d) A part-time appointment may not be for a period of more than one year, except for appointments of persons specified in subsection (a)(1)(A) and interns, residents, and other trainees in medical support programs and except as authorized in subsection (f).
(e) A student who has a temporary appointment under this section and who is pursuing a full course of nursing in a recognized school of nursing approved by the Secretary, or who is pursuing a full course of training for any category of personnel described in paragraph (3) of
(f) During any period during which the Secretary is exercising the authority provided in subsections (a) and (f)(1) of
(1) the Secretary may make temporary full-time appointments of personnel in such category for periods exceeding 90 days if the Under Secretary for Health finds that circumstances render it impractical to obtain the necessary services through appointments under paragraph (3) of
(2) part-time appointments of personnel in such category may be for periods of more than one year.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsecs. (a), (c)(1), (f)(1).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7406. Residencies and internships
(a)(1) The Secretary may establish residencies and internships. The Secretary may appoint qualified persons to such positions without regard to civil service or classification laws, rules, or regulations.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(A) The term "internship" includes the equivalency of an internship as determined in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe.
(B) The term "intern" means a person serving an internship.
(b) The Secretary may prescribe the conditions of employment of persons appointed under this section, including necessary training, and the customary amount and terms of pay for such positions during the period of such employment and training. The amount and terms of such pay may be established retroactively based on changes in such customary amount and terms.
(c)(1) In order to carry out more efficiently the provisions of subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Department in the training of interns or residents to provide, by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency, for the central administration—
(A) of stipend payments;
(B) provision of fringe benefits; and
(C) maintenance of records for such interns and residents.
(2) The Secretary may pay to such designated agency, without regard to any other law or regulation governing the expenditure of Government moneys either in advance or in arrears, an amount to cover the cost for the period such intern or resident serves in a Department hospital of—
(A) stipends fixed by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1);
(B) hospitalization, medical care, and life insurance and any other employee benefits as are agreed upon by the participating institutions for the period that such intern or resident serves in a Department hospital;
(C) tax on employers pursuant to
(D) an amount to cover a pro rata share of the cost of expense of such central administrative agency.
(3)(A) Any amounts paid by the Secretary to such central administrative agency to cover the cost of hospitalization, medical care, or life insurance or other employee benefits shall be in lieu of any benefits of like nature to which such intern or resident may be entitled under the provisions of title 5, and the acceptance of stipends and employee benefits from the designated central administrative agency shall constitute a waiver by the recipient of any claim such recipient might have to any payment of stipends or employee benefits to which such recipient may be entitled under this title or title 5.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any period of service of any such intern or resident in a Department hospital shall be deemed creditable service for the purposes of
(4) The agreement with such central administrative agency may further provide that the designated central administrative agency shall—
(A) make all appropriate deductions from the stipend of each intern and resident for local, State, and Federal taxes;
(B) maintain all records pertinent to such deductions and make proper deposits of such deductions; and
(C) maintain all records pertinent to the leave accrued by such intern and resident for the period during which such recipient serves in a participating hospital, including a Department hospital.
(5) Leave described in paragraph (4)(C) may be pooled, and the intern or resident may be afforded leave by the hospital in which such person is serving at the time the leave is to be used to the extent of such person's total accumulated leave, whether or not earned at the hospital in which such person is serving at the time the leave is to be afforded.
(Added
References in Text
The civil service laws, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), are set out in Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See, particularly,
The classification laws, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), are classified generally to
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7407. Administrative provisions for section 7405 and 7406 appointments
(a) When the Under Secretary for Health determines that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens for the necessary services, appointments under
(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Under Secretary for Health may waive for the purpose of the appointment of an individual under
(A) that a physician, dentist, psychologist, optometrist, registered nurse, practical or vocational nurse, or physical therapist be licensed or certified, as appropriate;
(B) that the licensure or certification of such an individual be in a State; and
(C) that a psychologist have completed an internship.
(2) The waivers authorized in paragraph (1) may be granted—
(A) in the case of clauses (A) and (C) of such paragraph, if the individual (i) will be employed to conduct research or serve in an academic position, and (ii) will have no responsibility for furnishing direct patient care services; and
(B) in the case of clause (B) of such paragraph, if the individual will be employed to serve in a country other than the United States and the individual's licensure or registration is in the country in which the individual is to serve.
(c) The program of training prescribed by the Secretary in order to qualify a person for the position of full-time physician assistant or expanded-function dental auxiliary shall be considered a full-time institutional program for purposes of
(d) A person may not be appointed under
(e) In accordance with the provisions of
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4114(c)–(g) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of
Amendments
1992—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7408. Appointment of additional employees
(a) There shall be appointed by the Secretary under civil service laws, rules, and regulations, such additional employees, other than those provided in section 7306 and paragraphs (1) and (3) of
(b) The Secretary, after considering an individual's existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or the special needs of the Department, may appoint the individual to a position in the Administration providing direct patient-care services or services incident to direct patient-services at a rate of pay above the minimum rate of the appropriate grade.
(Added
References in Text
The civil service laws, referred to in subsec. (a), are set forth in Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See, particularly
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (a).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7409. Contracts for scarce medical specialist services
(a) The Secretary may enter into contracts with institutions and persons described in subsection (b) to provide scarce medical specialist services at Department facilities. Such services may include the services of physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, expanded-function dental auxiliaries, technicians, and other medical support personnel.
(b) Institutions and persons with whom the Secretary may enter into contracts under subsection (a) are the following:
(1) Schools and colleges of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, and nursing.
(2) Clinics.
(3) Any other group or individual capable of furnishing such scarce medical specialist services.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7410. Additional pay authorities
The Secretary may authorize the Under Secretary for Health to pay advance payments, recruitment or relocation bonuses, and retention allowances to the personnel described in paragraph (1) of
(Added
Amendments
1992—
§7411. Full-time board-certified physicians and dentists: reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses
The Secretary shall reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed under
(Added
Effective Date
Section 103(b) of
SUBCHAPTER II—COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
§7421. Personnel administration: in general
(a) Notwithstanding any law, Executive order, or regulation, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the hours and conditions of employment and leaves of absence of employees appointed under any provision of this chapter in positions in the Veterans Health Administration listed in subsection (b).
(b) Subsection (a) refers to the following positions:
(1) Physicians.
(2) Dentists.
(3) Podiatrists.
(4) Optometrists.
(5) Registered nurses.
(6) Physician assistants.
(7) Expanded-duty dental auxiliaries.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Preservation of Existing Collective-Bargaining Arrangements and Pending Actions
Section 205 of
"(a)
"(b)
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7422. Collective bargaining
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations under
(b) Such collective bargaining (and any grievance procedures provided under a collective bargaining agreement) in the case of employees described in
(c) For purposes of this section, the term "professional conduct or competence" means any of the following:
(1) Direct patient care.
(2) Clinical competence.
(d) An issue of whether a matter or question concerns or arises out of (1) professional conduct or competence, (2) peer review, or (3) the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation under this title shall be decided by the Secretary and is not itself subject to collective bargaining and may not be reviewed by any other agency.
(e) A petition for judicial review or petition for enforcement under
(Added
§7423. Personnel administration: full-time employees
(a) The hours of employment in carrying out responsibilities under this title of any employee who is appointed in the Administration under any provision of this chapter on a full-time basis in a position listed in
(b) A person covered by subsection (a) may not do any of the following:
(1) Assume responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Department facility, except in those cases where the person, upon request and with the approval of the Under Secretary for Health, assumes such responsibilities to assist communities or medical practice groups to meet medical needs which would not otherwise be available for a period not to exceed 180 calendar days, which may be extended by the Under Secretary for Health for additional periods not to exceed 180 calendar days each.
(2) Teach or provide consultative services at any affiliated institution if such teaching or consultation will, because of its nature or duration, conflict with such person's responsibilities under this title.
(3) Accept payment under any insurance or assistance program established under title XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act or under
(4) Accept from any source, with respect to any travel performed by such person in the course of carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title, any payment or per diem for such travel, other than as provided for in
(5) Request or permit any individual or organization to pay, on such person's behalf for insurance insuring such person against malpractice claims arising in the course of carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title or for such person's dues or similar fees for membership in medical or dental societies or related professional associations, except where such payments constitute a part of such person's remuneration for the performance of professional responsibilities permitted under this section, other than those carried out under this title.
(6) Perform, in the course of carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title, professional services for the purpose of generating money for any fund or account which is maintained by an affiliated institution for the benefit of such institution, or for such person's personal benefit, or both.
(c) In the case of any fund or account described in subsection (b)(6) that was established before September 1, 1973—
(1) the affiliated institution shall submit semiannually an accounting to the Secretary and to the Comptroller General of the United States with respect to such fund or account and shall maintain such fund or account subject to full public disclosure and audit by the Secretary and the Comptroller General for a period of three years or for such longer period as the Secretary shall prescribe, and
(2) no person in a position specified in paragraph (1)(B) may receive any cash from amounts deposited in such fund or account derived from services performed before that date.
(d) As used in this section:
(1) The term "affiliated institution" means a medical school or other institution of higher learning with which the Secretary has a contract or agreement as referred to in
(2) The term "remuneration" means the receipt of any amount of monetary benefit from any non-Department source in payment for carrying out any professional responsibilities.
(e)(1) The Secretary shall establish a leave transfer program for the benefit of health-care professionals in positions listed in
(2) To the maximum extent feasible—
(A) the leave transfer program shall provide the same or similar requirements and conditions as are provided for the program established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management under subchapter III of
(B) any leave bank program established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the requirements and conditions provided for agency leave bank programs in subchapter IV of such chapter.
(3) Participation by a health-care professional in the leave transfer program established pursuant to paragraph (1), and in any leave bank program established pursuant to such paragraph, shall be voluntary. The Secretary may not require any health-care professional to participate in such a program.
(4)(A) The Secretary and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management may enter into an agreement that permits health-care professionals referred to in paragraph (1) to participate in the leave transfer program established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management under subchapter III of
(B) Participation of such health-care professionals in a leave transfer program or a leave bank program pursuant to an agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to such requirements and conditions as may be prescribed in such agreement.
(5) The Secretary is not required to establish a leave transfer program for any personnel permitted to participate in a leave transfer program pursuant to an agreement referred to in paragraph (4).
(f) The Secretary may purchase promotional items of nominal value for use in the recruitment of individuals for employment under this chapter. The Secretary shall prescribe guidelines for the administration of the preceding sentence.
(Added and amended
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (f).
1991—Subsec. (e).
Establishment of Leave Bank Program
For provision authorizing the establishment of a leave bank program for health-care professional covered under subsec. (e) of former
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7424. Travel expenses of certain employees
(a) The Secretary may pay the expenses (other than membership fees) of persons described in
(b)(1) The Secretary may prescribe regulations establishing conditions under which officers and employees of the Administration who are nationally recognized principal investigators in medical research may be permitted to accept payment, in cash or in kind, from non-Federal agencies, organizations, and individuals for travel and such reasonable subsistence expenses as are approved by the Secretary pursuant to such regulations—
(A) in connection with their attendance at meetings or in performing advisory services concerned with the functions or activities of the Department; or
(B) in connection with acceptance of significant awards or with activity related thereto concerned with functions or activities of the Department.
(2) Any such payment may be retained by such officers and employees to cover the cost of such expenses or shall be deposited to the credit of the appropriation from which the cost of such expenses is paid, as may be provided in such regulations.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a).
§7425. Employees: laws not applicable
(a) Physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health-care professionals employed by the Administration and appointed under
(1) Section 413 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
(2) Subchapter II of
(3) Subchapter VIII of
(4) Subchapter V of
(5) Subchapter II of
(6)
(7) Subchapter VIII of
(8) Subchapter V of
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no provision of title 5 or any other law pertaining to the civil service system which is inconsistent with any provision of
(Added
References in Text
Section 413 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is section 413 of
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7426. Retirement rights
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), persons appointed to the Administration shall be subject to the provisions of and entitled to benefits under subchapter III of
(b)(1) In computing the annuity under subchapter III of
(A) for the purpose of determining such individual's average pay, as defined by
(B) the amount of such individual's annuity as computed under
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an individual's full-time equivalent service is the individual's creditable service as determined under
(3) A survivor annuity computed under section 8341, or subchapter IV of
(c) The Secretary may authorize an exception to the restrictions in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (c).
SUBCHAPTER III—SPECIAL PAY FOR PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS
Subchapter Referred to in Other Sections
This subchapter is referred to in
§7431. Special pay: authority
(a) In order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists in the Veterans Health Administration, the Secretary shall provide special pay under this subchapter. Such special pay shall be provided under regulations that the Secretary shall prescribe to carry out this subchapter. Before prescribing regulations under this subchapter, the Secretary shall receive the recommendations of the Under Secretary for Health with respect to those regulations.
(b) Special pay may be paid to a physician or dentist under this subchapter only upon the execution of, and for the duration of, a written agreement entered into by the physician or dentist in accordance with
(c) A physician or dentist serving a period of obligated service pursuant to
(d)(1) The Secretary may determine categories of positions applicable to either physicians or dentists, or both, in the Veterans Health Administration as to which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. While any such determination is in effect, the Secretary may not enter into an agreement under this subchapter with a physician or dentist serving in a position covered by the determination. Before making a determination under this paragraph, the Secretary shall receive the recommendations of the Under Secretary for Health with respect to the determination.
(2) Not later than one year after making any such determination with respect to a category of positions, and each year thereafter that such determination remains in effect, the Secretary shall make a redetermination.
(3) Any determination under this subsection shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed to carry out this subchapter.
(e) If the Under Secretary for Health determines that payment of special pay to a physician or dentist who is employed on a less than half-time basis is the most cost-effective way available for providing needed medical or dental specialist services at a Department facility, the Under Secretary for Health may authorize the payment of special pay for factors other than for full-time status to that physician or dentist at a rate computed on the basis of the proportion that the part-time employment of the physician or dentist bears to full-time employment.
(f) Special pay may not be paid under this section to a physician or dentist who—
(1) is employed on less than a quarter-time basis or on an intermittent basis;
(2) occupies an internship or residency training position; or
(3) is a reemployed annuitant.
(g)(1) In the case of a physician or dentist who is employed in a position that is covered by a determination by the Secretary under subsection (d)(1) that the Administration does not have a significant recruitment or retention problem with respect to a particular category of positions and who on the day before the effective date of this subchapter was receiving special pay under an agreement entered into under section 4118 1 of this title (as in effect before such date), the Secretary may pay to that physician or dentist, in addition to basic pay, retention pay under this subsection.
(2) The annual rate of such retention pay for any individual may not exceed the rate which, when added to the rate of basic pay payable to that individual, is equal to the sum of the annual rate of basic pay and the annual rate of special pay paid to that physician or dentist pursuant to the final agreement with that individual under such section 4118.1
(3) Such retention pay shall be treated for all purposes as special pay paid under subchapter III of
(4) Retention pay under this subsection shall be paid under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
(Added
References in Text
For the effective date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), see section 104 of
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsecs. (a), (c), (d)(1), (e).
Effective Date
Section 104 of
"(a)
"(1) July 1, 1991; or
"(2) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [May 7, 1991].
"(b)
"(2) In the case of an agreement entered into under
"(3) In the case of a physician or dentist who begins employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the effective date specified in subsection (a) who is eligible for an agreement under
"(c)
"(d)
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
1 See References in Text note below.
§7432. Special pay: written agreements
(a) An agreement entered into by a physician or dentist under this subchapter shall cover a period of one year of service in the Veterans Health Administration unless the physician or dentist agrees to an agreement for a longer period of service, not to exceed four years, as specified in the agreement. A physician or dentist who has previously entered into such an agreement is eligible to enter into a subsequent agreement unless the physician or dentist has failed to refund to the United States any amount which the physician or dentist is obligated to refund under any such previous agreement.
(b)(1) An agreement under this subchapter shall provide that, if the physician or dentist entering into the agreement voluntarily, or because of misconduct, fails to complete any of the years of service covered by the agreement (measured from the anniversary date of the agreement), the physician or dentist shall refund an amount of special pay received under the agreement for that year equal to—
(A) in the case of a failure during the first year of service under the agreement, 100 percent of the amount received for that year;
(B) in the case of a failure during the second year of service under the agreement, 75 percent of the amount received for that year;
(C) in the case of a failure during the third year of service under the agreement, 50 percent of the amount received for that year; and
(D) in the case of a failure during the fourth year of service under the agreement, 25 percent of the amount received for that year.
(2) The Secretary may waive (in whole or in part) the requirement for a refund under paragraph (1) in any case if the Secretary determines (in accordance with regulations prescribed under
(3) Any such agreement shall specify the terms under which the Department and the physician or dentist may elect to terminate the agreement.
(c)(1) If a proposed agreement under this subchapter will provide a total annual amount of special pay to be provided to a physician or dentist who has previously entered into an agreement under this subchapter (or under section 4118 1 of this title as in effect before the effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991) that will exceed the previous annual amount of special pay provided for the physician or dentist by more than 50 percent (other than in the case of a physician or dentist employed in an executive position in the Central Office of the Department), or that will be less than the previous annual amount of special pay provided for the physician or dentist by more than 25 percent, the proposed agreement shall be promptly submitted to the Secretary. The proposed agreement shall not take effect if it is disapproved by the Secretary within 60 days after the date on which the physician or dentist entered into the proposed agreement.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the previous annual amount of special pay provided for a physician or dentist is the total annual amount of special pay provided, or to be provided, to the physician or dentist for the most recent year covered by an agreement entered into by the physician or dentist under this subchapter or under section 4118 1 of this title. In the case of an agreement entered into under section 4118 1 of this title, incentive pay shall be treated as special pay for purposes of this paragraph.
(3) The Secretary shall adjust special pay as necessary for purposes of this subsection to reflect appropriately any change in the status of a physician or dentist (A) from full-time status to part-time status, (B) from part-time status to full-time status, or (C) from one proportion of time spent as a Department employee under part-time status employment to a different proportion.
(d)(1) If a proposed agreement under this subchapter (other than an agreement in the case of the Under Secretary for Health) will provide a total annual amount of special pay to be provided to a physician or dentist which, when added to the amount of basic pay of the physician or dentist, will be in excess of the amount payable for positions specified in
(2) A proposed agreement under this subchapter with the Under Secretary for Health may provide for payment of special pay for which the Under Secretary for Health is eligible under this subchapter (other than that specified in
(3) The Secretary shall include in the annual report required by
(A) a statement of the number of agreements entered into during the period covered by the report under which the total amount of special pay to be provided, when added to the amount of basic pay of the physician or dentist, will be in excess of the amount payable for positions specified in
(B) a statement of the number of proposed agreements which during the period covered by the report were disapproved under this subsection; and
(C) a detailed explanation of the basis for disapproval of each such proposed agreement which was disapproved under this subsection.
(4) This subsection does not apply to any proposed agreement entered into after September 30, 1994.
(Added
References in Text
The effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), probably means the effective date of title I of
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (d)(1), (2).
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
1 See References in Text note below.
§7433. Special pay: full-time physicians
(a) The Secretary shall provide special pay under this subchapter to eligible physicians employed on a full-time basis based upon the factors, and at the annual rates, specified in subsection (b).
(b) The special pay factors, and the annual rates, applicable to full-time physicians are as follows:
(1) For full-time status, $9,000.
(2)(A) For length of service as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration—
| Length of Service | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| 2 years but less than 4 years | $4,000 | $ 6,000 |
| 4 years but less than 8 years | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| 8 years but less than 12 years | 12,000 | 18,000 |
| 12 years or more | 12,000 | 25,000 |
(B) The Under Secretary for Health shall specify a uniform national rate for each range of years of service established by or under this paragraph. The Under Secretary for Health may, as to length of service in excess of 12 years, establish uniform national rates for such ranges of years of service as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(3)(A) For service in a medical specialty with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties (on a nationwide basis or on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility) in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians, an annual rate of not more than $40,000.
(B) For service by a physician who serves only a portion of a year in a medical specialty for which special pay is paid under subparagraph (A), the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the specialty for which the special pay is paid.
(4)(A) For service in any of the following executive positions, an annual rate not to exceed the rate applicable to that position as follows:
| Position | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| Service Chief (or in a comparable position as determined by the Secretary) | $4,500 | $15,000 |
| Chief of Staff or in an Executive Grade | 14,500 | 25,000 |
| Director Grade | 0 | 25,000 |
(B) For service in any of the following executive positions, the annual rate applicable to that position as follows:
(C) For service by a physician who serves only a portion of a year in an executive position listed in subparagraph (A) or (B) or who serves a portion of a year in such a position and also serves a portion of that year in another position or grade for which special pay is provided under this section, the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the position or positions for which special pay is provided.
(5) For specialty certification or first board certification, $2,000, and for subspecialty certification or secondary board certification, an additional $500.
(6) For service in a specific geographic location with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a specific category of physicians, an annual rate of not more than $17,000.
(7)(A) For service by a physician with exceptional qualifications within a specialty, an annual rate of not more than $15,000.
(B) Special pay under this paragraph may be paid to a physician only if the payment of such pay to that physician is approved by the Under Secretary for Health personally and on a case-by-case basis and only to the extent that the rate paid under this paragraph, when added to the total of the rates paid to that physician under paragraphs (1) through (6), does not exceed the total rate that may be paid under those paragraphs to a physician with the same length of service, specialty, and position as the physician concerned.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (b)(3)(A).
1992—Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (4)(B), (7)(B).
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7434. Special pay: part-time physicians
(a) Subject to
(b) The annual rate of special pay paid to a physician employed on a part-time basis shall bear the same ratio to the annual rate that the physician would be paid under section 7433 (other than for full-time status) if the physician were employed on a full-time basis as the amount of part-time employment by the physician bears to full-time employment, except that such ratio may not exceed 3/4.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7435. Special pay: full-time dentists
(a) The Secretary shall provide special pay under this subchapter to eligible dentists employed on a full-time basis based upon the factors, and at the annual rates, specified in subsection (b).
(b) The special pay factors, and the annual rates, applicable to full-time dentists are as follows:
(1) For full-time status, $3,500.
(2)(A) For length of service as a dentist within the Veterans Health Administration—
| Length of Service | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| 2 years but less than 4 years | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| 4 years but less than 8 years | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| 8 years but less than 12 years | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| 12 years or more | 3,000 | 4,000 |
(B) The Under Secretary for Health shall specify a uniform national rate for each range of years of service established by or under this paragraph. The Under Secretary for Health may, as to length of service in excess of 12 years, establish uniform national rates for such ranges of years of service as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(3)(A) For service in a dental specialty with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties (on a nationwide basis or on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility) in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists, an annual rate of not more than $20,000.
(B) For service by a dentist who serves only a portion of a year in a dental specialty for which special pay is paid under subparagraph (A), the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the specialty for which the special pay is paid.
(4)(A) For service in any of the following executive positions, an annual rate not to exceed the rate applicable to that position as follows:
| Position | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| Service Director | $1,000 | $9,000 |
| Deputy Service Director | 1,000 | 8,000 |
| Chief of Staff or in an Executive Grade | 1,000 | 8,000 |
| Director Grade | 0 | 8,000 |
| Service Chief (or in a comparable position as determined by the Secretary) | 1,000 | 5,000 |
(B) For service in any of the following executive positions, the annual rate applicable to that position as follows:
(C) For service by a dentist who serves only a portion of a year in an executive position listed in subparagraph (A) or (B) or who serves a portion of a year in such a position and also serves a portion of that year in another position or grade for which special pay is provided under this section, the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the position or positions for which special pay is provided.
(5) For specialty or first board certification, $2,000 and for subspecialty or secondary board certification, an additional $500.
(6) For service in a specific geographic location with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a specific category of dentists, an annual rate not more than $5,000.
(7)(A) For service by a dentist with exceptional qualifications within a specialty, an annual rate of not more than $5,000.
(B) Special pay under this paragraph may be paid to a dentist only if the payment of such pay to that dentist is approved by the Under Secretary for Health personally and on a case-by-case basis and only to the extent that the rate paid under this paragraph, when added to the total of the rates paid to that dentist under paragraphs (1) through (6), does not exceed the total rate that may be paid under those paragraphs to a dentist with the same length of service, specialty, and position as the dentist concerned.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (b)(3)(A).
1992—Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (4)(B), (7)(B).
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7436. Special pay: part-time dentists
(a) Subject to
(b) The annual rate of special pay paid to a dentist employed on a part-time basis shall bear the same ratio to the annual rate that the dentist would be paid under
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7437. Special pay: general provisions
(a) A physician who is provided special pay for service in an executive position under paragraph (4)(B) of
(b) The following determinations under this subchapter shall be made under regulations prescribed under
(1) A determination that there are extraordinary difficulties (on a nation-wide basis or on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility) in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a medical specialty or in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a dental specialty.
(2) A determination of the rate of special pay to be paid to a physician or dentist for a factor of special pay for which the applicable rate is specified as a range of rates.
(3) A determination of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a specific category of physicians or in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a specific category of dentists.
(c) A determination for the purposes of this subchapter that there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a medical specialty, or in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a dental specialty, on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility may only be made upon the request of the director of that facility.
(d) A physician or dentist may not be provided scarce specialty pay under
(e)(1) A physician or dentist shall be paid special pay under this subchapter at a rate not less than the rate of special pay the physician or dentist was paid under section 4118 1 of this title as of the day before the effective date of this subchapter if the physician or dentist—
(A) is employed on a full-time basis in the Veterans Health Administration;
(B) was employed as a physician or dentist on a full-time basis in the Administration on the day before such effective date; and
(C) on such effective date was being paid for no special-pay factors other than primary, full-time, length of service, and specialty or board certification.
(2) A physician or dentist shall be paid special pay under this subchapter at a rate not less than the rate of special pay the physician or dentist was paid under section 4118 1 of this title as of the day before the effective date of this subchapter if the physician or dentist—
(A) is employed on a part-time basis in the Veterans Health Administration;
(B) was employed as a physician or dentist on a part-time basis in the Administration on the day before such effective date; and
(C) on such effective date was being paid for no special-pay factors other than primary, full-time, length of service, and specialty or board certification.
(f) Any amount of special pay payable under this subchapter shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with regularly established pay periods.
(g) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, special pay may not be provided to a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration for any factor not specified in section 7433, 7434, 7435, or 7436, as applicable, of this title.
(h) In no case may the total amount of compensation paid to a physician or dentist under this title in any year exceed the amount of annual compensation (excluding expenses) specified in
(Added
References in Text
For the effective date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), (2), see section 104 of
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (e)(1)(C), (2)(C).
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Section 204(b) of
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Availability of Funds
Section 204(c) of
1 See References in Text note below.
§7438. Special pay: coordination with other benefits laws
(a) Special pay paid under this subchapter shall be in addition to any other pay and allowances to which a physician or dentist is entitled.
(b)(1) A physician or dentist who has no section 4118 1 service and has completed not less than 15 years of service as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration shall be entitled to have special pay paid to the physician or dentist under this subchapter considered basic pay for the purposes of
(2) A physician or dentist who has section 4118 1 service and has completed a total of not less than 15 years of service as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration shall be entitled to have special pay paid to the physician or dentist under this subchapter considered basic pay for the purposes of
(A) In an amount equal to the amount that would have been so considered under section 4118 1 of this title on the day before the effective date of this section based on the rates of special pay the physician or dentist was entitled to receive under that section on the day before such effective date.
(B) With respect to any amount of special pay received under this subchapter in excess of the amount such physician or dentist was entitled to receive under section 4118 1 of this title on the day before the effective date of this section, in an amount equal to 25 percent of such excess amount for each two years that the physician or dentist has completed as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration after the effective date of this section.
(3) All special pay paid under this subchapter shall be included in average pay (as defined in
(4) Special pay paid under section 4118 1 of this title, as in effect before the effective date of this section, to a physician or dentist who has section 4118 1 service shall be credited to the physician or dentist for the same purposes and in the same manner and to the same extent that such special pay was credited to the physician or dentist before such effective date.
(5) For purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term "physician or dentist who has no section 4118 1 service" means a physician or dentist employed as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration who has no previous service as a physician or dentist in the Administration (or its predecessor) before the effective date of this section.
(B) The term "physician or dentist who has section 4118 1 service" means a physician or dentist employed as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration who has previous service as a physician or dentist in the Administration (or its predecessor) before the effective date of this section.
(C) Service in any predecessor entity of the Veterans Health Administration shall be considered to be service in the Veterans Health Administration.
(c) Compensation paid as special pay under this subchapter or under an agreement entered into under section 4118 1 of this title (as in effect on the day before the effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991) shall be considered as annual pay for the purposes of
(Added
References in Text
For the effective date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (b), see section 104(a) of
The effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (c), probably means the effective date of title I of
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
1 See References in Text note below.
§7439. Periodic review of pay of physicians and dentists; quadrennial report
(a) In order to make possible the recruitment and retention of a well-qualified work force of physicians and dentists capable of providing quality care for eligible veterans, it is the policy of Congress to ensure that the levels of total pay for physicians and dentists of the Veterans Health Administration are fixed at levels reasonably comparable—
(1) with the levels of total pay of physicians and dentists employed by or serving in other departments and agencies of the Federal Government; and
(2) with the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists for the performance of services as physicians and dentists.
(b)(1) To assist the Congress and the President in carrying out the policy stated in subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
(A) define the bases for pay distinctions, if any, among various categories of physicians and dentists, including distinctions between physicians and dentists employed by the Veterans Health Administration and physicians and dentists employed by other departments and agencies of the Federal Government and between all Federal sector and non-Federal sector physicians and dentists; and
(B) obtain measures of income from the employment or practice of physicians and dentists outside the Administration, including both the Federal and non-Federal sectors, for use as guidelines for setting and periodically adjusting the amounts of special pay for physicians and dentists of the Administration.
(2) The Secretary shall submit to the President a report, on such date as the President may designate but not later than December 31, 1994, and once every four years thereafter, recommending appropriate rates of special pay to carry out the policy set forth in subsection (a) with respect to the pay of physicians and dentists in the Veterans Health Administration. The Secretary shall include in such report, when considered appropriate and necessary by the Secretary, recommendations for modifications of the special pay levels set forth in this subchapter whenever—
(A) the Department is unable to recruit or retain a sufficient work force of well-qualified physicians and dentists in the Administration because the incomes and other employee benefits, to the extent that those benefits are reasonably quantifiable, of physicians and dentists outside the Administration who perform comparable types of duties are significantly in excess of the levels of total pay (including basic pay and special pay) and other employee benefits, to the extent that those benefits are reasonably quantifiable, available to those physicians and dentists employed by the Administration; or
(B) other extraordinary circumstances are such that special pay levels are needed to recruit or retain a sufficient number of well-qualified physicians and dentists.
(c) The President shall include in the budget transmitted to the Congress under
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
§7440. Annual report
The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report on the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter. The report shall be submitted each year as part of the budget justification documents submitted by the Secretary in support of the budget of the President submitted pursuant to
(1) A review of the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter (including the Secretary's and Under Secretary for Health's actions, findings, recommendations, and other activities under this subchapter) during the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year during which the report is submitted.
(2) The plans for the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter for the next fiscal year.
(3) A description of the amounts of special pay paid during the preceding fiscal year, shown by category of pay.
(4) A list of those geographic areas, and those scarce specialties, for which special pay was paid during the preceding fiscal year, those for which special pay is being paid during the current fiscal year, and those for which special pay is expected to be paid during the next fiscal year, together with a summary of any differences among those three lists.
(5) The number of physicians and dentists (A) who left employment with the Veterans Health Administration during the preceding year, (B) who changed from full-time status to part-time status, (C) who changed from part-time status to full-time status, as well as (D) a summary of the reasons therefor.
(6) By specialty, the number of positions created and the number of positions abolished during the preceding fiscal year and a summary of the reasons for such actions.
(7) The number of unfilled physician and dentist positions in each specialty in the Veterans Health Administration, the average and maximum lengths of time that such positions have been unfilled, and a summary of the reasons that such positions remain unfilled and, in the case of any specialty not designated as a scarce specialty for purposes of special pay under this subchapter, an explanation (including comparisons with other specialties that have been so designated) of why the specialty has not been so designated.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1994—Par. (1).
Effective Date
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
SUBCHAPTER IV—PAY FOR NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH-CARE PERSONNEL
§7451. Nurses and other health-care personnel: competitive pay
(a)(1) It is the purpose of this section to ensure, by a means providing increased responsibility and authority to directors of Department health-care facilities, that the rates of basic pay for health-care personnel positions described in paragraph (2) in each Department health-care facility (including the rates of basic pay of personnel employed in such positions on a part-time basis) are sufficient for that facility to be competitive, on the basis of pay and other employee benefits, with non-Department health-care facilities in the same labor-market area in the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel for those positions.
(2) The health-care personnel positions referred to in paragraph (1) (hereinafter in this section referred to as "covered positions") are the following:
(A) Registered nurse.
(B) Such positions referred to in paragraphs (1) and (3) of
(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the rates of basic pay for covered positions in the Department shall be established and adjusted in accordance with this section instead of subsection (b)(1) of
(B) Under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, the Secretary shall establish and adjust the rates of basic pay for covered positions at the following health-care facilities in order to provide rates of basic pay that enable the Secretary to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of health-care personnel in such positions at those facilities:
(i) The Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Republic of the Philippines.
(ii) Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities located outside the contiguous States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
(4) The Secretary, after receiving the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, shall prescribe regulations setting forth criteria and procedures to carry out this section and
(b) The Secretary shall maintain the five grade levels for nurses employed by the Department under
(c)(1) For each grade in a covered position, there shall be a range of basic pay. The maximum rate of basic pay for a grade shall be 133 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for the grade, except that, if the Secretary determines that a higher maximum rate is necessary with respect to any such grade in order to recruit and retain a sufficient number of high-quality health-care personnel, the Secretary may raise the maximum rate of basic pay for that grade to a rate not in excess of 175 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for the grade. Whenever the Secretary exercises the authority under the preceding sentence to establish the maximum rate of basic pay at a rate in excess of 133 percent of the minimum rate for that grade, the Secretary shall, in the next annual report required by subsection (g), provide justification for doing so to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.
(2) The maximum rate of basic pay for any grade for a covered position may not exceed the maximum rate of basic pay established for positions in level V of the Executive Schedule under
(3) The range of basic pay for each such grade shall be divided into equal increments, known as "steps". The Secretary shall prescribe the number of steps. Each grade in a covered position shall have the same number of steps. Rates of pay within a grade may not be established at rates other than whole steps. Any increase (other than an adjustment under subsection (d)) within a grade in the rate of basic pay payable to an employee in a covered position shall be by one or more of such step increments.
(d)(1) The rates of basic pay for each grade in a covered position shall be adjusted periodically in accordance with this subsection in order to achieve the purposes of this section. Such adjustments shall be made—
(A) whenever there is an adjustment under
(B) at such additional times as the director of a Department health-care facility, with respect to employees in that grade at that facility, or the Under Secretary for Health, with respect to covered Regional and Central Office employees in that grade, determines.
(2) An adjustment in rates of basic pay under this subsection for a grade shall be carried out by adjusting the amount of the minimum rate of basic pay for that grade in accordance with paragraph (3) and then adjusting the other rates for that grade to conform to the requirements of subsection (c). Such an adjustment in the minimum rate of basic pay for a grade shall be made by the director of a Department health-care facility so as to achieve consistency with the beginning rate of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) labor-market area of that facility.
(3)(A) In the case of a Department health-care facility located in an area for which there is current information, based upon an industry-wage survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for that labor market, on beginning rates of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals for the BLS labor-market area of that facility, the director of the facility concerned shall use that information as the basis for making adjustments in rates of pay under this subsection. Whenever the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the results of a new industry-wage survey for that labor market that includes information on beginning rates of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals, the director of that facility shall determine, not later than 30 days after the results of the survey are released, whether an adjustment in rates of pay for employees at that facility for any covered position is necessary in order to meet the purposes of this section. If the director determines that such an adjustment is necessary, the adjustment, based upon the information determined in the survey, shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after that determination.
(B) In the case of a Department health-care facility located in an area for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have current information on beginning rates of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals for the labor-market area of that facility for any covered position, the director of that facility shall conduct a survey in accordance with this subparagraph and shall adjust the amount of the minimum rate of basic pay for grades in that covered position at that facility based upon that survey. Any such survey shall be conducted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Those regulations shall be developed in consultation with the Secretary of Labor in order to ensure that the director of a facility collects information that is valid and reliable and is consistent with standards of the Bureau. The survey should be conducted using methodology comparable to that used by the Bureau in making industry-wage surveys except to the extent determined infeasible by the Secretary. Upon conducting a survey under this subparagraph, the director concerned shall determine, not later than 30 days after the date on which the collection of information through the survey is completed, whether an adjustment in rates of pay for employees at that facility for any covered position is necessary in order to meet the purposes of this section. If the director determines that such an adjustment is necessary, the adjustment, based upon the information determined in the survey, shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after that determination.
(C)(i) A director of a Department health-care facility may use data on the beginning rates of compensation paid to certified registered nurse anesthetists who are employed on a salary basis by entities that provide anesthesia services through certified registered nurse anesthetists in the labor-market area only if the director—
(I) has conducted a survey of beginning rates of compensation for certified registered nurse anesthetists in the local labor-market area of the facility under subparagraph (B);
(II) has used all available administrative authority with regard to collection of survey data; and
(III) makes a determination (under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) that such survey methods are insufficient to permit the adjustments referred to in subparagraph (B) for such nurse anesthetists employed by the facility.
(ii) For the purposes of this subparagraph, certified registered nurse anesthetists who are so employed by such entities shall be deemed to be corresponding health-care professionals to the certified registered nurse anesthetists employed by the facility.
(iii) The authority of the director to use such additional data under this subparagraph with respect to certified registered nurse anesthetists expires on April 1, 1995.
(D) The Under Secretary for Health shall prescribe regulations providing for the adjustment of the rates of basic pay for Regional and Central Office employees in covered positions in order to assure that those rates are sufficient and competitive.
(E) The director of a facility or Under Secretary for Health may not adjust rates of basic pay under this subsection for any pay grade so that the minimum rate of basic pay for that grade is greater than the beginning rates of compensation for corresponding positions at non-Department health-care facilities.
(4) If the director of a Department health-care facility, or the Under Secretary for Health with respect to Regional and Central Office employees, determines, after any survey under paragraph (3)(B) or at any other time that an adjustment in rates of pay is scheduled to take place under this subsection, that it is not necessary to adjust the rates of basic pay for employees in a grade of a covered position at that facility in order to carry out the purpose of this section, such an adjustment for employees at that facility in that grade shall not be made. Whenever a director makes such a determination, the director shall within 10 days notify the Under Secretary for Health of the decision and the reasons for the decision.
(5) Information collected by the Department in surveys conducted under this subsection is not subject to disclosure under
(6) In this subsection—
(A) The term "beginning rate of compensation", with respect to health-care personnel positions in non-Department health-care facilities corresponding to a grade of a covered position, means the sum of—
(i) the minimum rate of pay established for personnel in such positions who have education, training, and experience equivalent or similar to the education, training, and experience required for health-care personnel employed in the same category of Department covered positions; and
(ii) other employee benefits for those positions to the extent that those benefits are reasonably quantifiable.
(B) The term "corresponding", with respect to health-care personnel positions in non-Department health-care facilities, means those positions for which the education, training, and experience requirements are equivalent or similar to the education, training, and experience requirements for health-care personnel positions in Department health-care facilities.
(e) Adjustments in rates of basic pay under subsection (d) may increase or reduce the rates of basic pay applicable to any grade of a covered position. In the case of such an adjustment that reduces the rates of pay for a grade, an employee serving at a Department health-care facility on the day before the effective date of that adjustment in a position affected by the adjustment may not (by reason of that adjustment) incur a reduction in the rate of basic pay applicable to that employee so long as the employee continues to serve in that covered position at that facility. If such an employee is subsequently promoted to a higher grade, or advanced to a higher step within the employee's grade, for which the rate of pay as so adjusted is lower than the employee's rate of basic pay on the day before the effective date of the promotion, the employee shall continue to be paid at a rate of basic pay not less than the rate of basic pay applicable to the employee before the promotion so long as the employee continues to serve in that covered position at that facility.
(f) Not later than February 1 of 1991, 1992, and 1993, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding any pay adjustments under the authority of subsection (d)(1)(A) effective during the 12 months preceding the submission of the report. Each such report shall set forth, by health-care facility, the percentage of such increases and, in any case in which no increase was made, the basis for not providing an increase.
(g) Not later than December 1 of 1991, 1992, and 1993, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the exercise of the authorities provided in this section for the preceding fiscal year. Each such report shall include the following:
(1) A review of the use of the authorities provided in this section (including the Secretary's and Under Secretary for Health's actions, findings, recommendations, and other activities under this section) during the preceding fiscal year, including an assessment of the effects of the exercise of such authorities on the ability of the Department to recruit and retain qualified health-care professionals for covered positions.
(2) The plans for the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter for the next fiscal year.
(3) A description of the rates of basic pay in effect during the preceding fiscal year, with a comparison to the rates in effect during the previous fiscal year, shown by facility and by covered position.
(4) The numbers of employees in covered positions (shown separately for registered nurses and for each other covered position) who during the preceding fiscal year (A) left employment with the Department, (B) left employment at one Department medical facility for employment at another Department medical facility, or (C) changed from full-time status to part-time status (and from part-time status to full-time status), and a summary of the reasons therefor.
(5) The number of vacancies in covered positions in the Administration and a summary of the reasons that those positions are vacant.
(6) The number of employees who during the preceding fiscal year left employment at a health-care facility in one Bureau of Labor Statistics labor-market area for employment at a health-care facility in another such labor-market area, without changing residence.
(7) Justification for setting the maximum rate of basic pay for any grade at a rate in excess of 133 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for that grade.
(8) The discussion required by
(9) The justification required by
(10) The number of nurses, shown by facility and by grade, who are on pay retention or in the top step of any grade and, with respect to those employees, comprehensive information (by facility) as to whether an extension of the pay grades was sought for these positions, and with respect to each such request for extension, whether such request was granted or denied.
(h) For the purposes of this section, the term "health-care facility" means a medical center, an independent outpatient clinic, or an independent domiciliary facility.
(Added
References in Text
The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A), is set out under
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (d)(3)(C)(i)(I).
Subsec. (g)(1).
1992—Subsec. (a)(2)(B).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (d)(1)(B).
Subsec. (d)(3)(C).
Subsec. (d)(3)(D).
Subsec. (d)(3)(E).
Subsec. (d)(4).
Subsec. (g)(9).
Subsec. (g)(10).
1991—
Subsec. (a)(2)(B).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (d)(1)(B).
Subsec. (d)(3)(C).
Subsec. (d)(3)(D).
Subsec. (d)(4).
Subsec. (g)(8).
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by sections 301(b) to 303 and 304(b) of
Effective Date
Section 104 of
"(a)
"(2) The amendment made by section 103 [amending former
"(b)
Savings Provision
Section 301(a) of
Nursing Personnel Qualification Standards
Section 305 of
"(a)
"(1) to reflect the five grade levels for nursing personnel under the Nurse Schedule [see
"(2) to reduce the compression of nursing personnel in the existing intermediate and senior grades.
"(b)
"(c)
Report on Pay for Chief Nurse Position
Section 306 of
"(a)
"(1) the process for determining the rate of basic pay applicable to the Chief Nurse position at Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities; and
"(2) the relationship between the rate of such basic pay and the rate of basic pay applicable to nurses in positions subordinate to the Chief Nurse at the respective Department facilities.
The review shall include an assessment of the adequacy of that process in determining an equitable pay rate for the Chief Nurse position, including an assessment of the accuracy of data collected in the survey process and the difficulties in obtaining accurate data.
"(b)
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7452. Nurses and other health-care personnel: administration of pay
(a)(1) Regulations prescribed under
(2) A nurse serving in a head nurse position shall while so serving receive basic pay at a rate two step increments above the rate that would otherwise be applicable to the nurse. If such a nurse is in the highest or next-to-highest step for that nurse's grade, the preceding sentence shall be applied by extrapolation to create additional steps only for the purposes of this paragraph. The limitation in
(3) An employee in a covered position who is promoted to the next higher grade shall be paid in that grade at a step having a rate of basic pay that is greater than the rate of basic pay applicable to the employee in a covered position on the day before the effective date of the promotion.
(b)(1) Under regulations which the Secretary prescribes for the administration of this section, the director of a Department health-care facility (A) shall pay a cash bonus (in an amount to be determined by the director not to exceed $2,000) to an employee in a covered position at that facility who becomes certified in a specialty recognized by the Department, and (B) may provide such a bonus to an employee in such a position who has demonstrated both exemplary job performance and exemplary job achievement. The authority of the Secretary under this subsection is in addition to any other authority of the Secretary to provide job performance incentives.
(2) The Secretary shall include in the annual report under
(c)(1) The Secretary shall provide (in regulations prescribed for the administration of this section) that the director of a Department health-care facility, in making a new appointment of a person under
(2) Such a determination may be made by the director of a health-care facility only in order to recruit employees in covered positions with specialized skills, especially employees with skills which are especially difficult or demanding.
(3) A rate of pay referred to in paragraph (1) is a rate of basic pay in excess of the minimum rate of basic pay applicable to the grade in which the appointment is made (but not in excess of the maximum rate of basic pay for that grade).
(4) Whenever the director of a health-care facility makes an appointment described in paragraph (1) without prior approval at a higher level of authority within the Department, the director shall—
(A) state in a document the reasons for employing the employee in a covered position at a rate of pay in excess of the minimum rate of basic pay applicable to the grade in which the employee is appointed (and retain that document on file); and
(B) in the first budget documents submitted to the Secretary by the director after the employee is employed, include documentation for the need for such increased rates of basic pay described in clause (A).
(5) Whenever the director of a health-care facility makes an appointment described in paragraph (1) on the basis of a determination described in paragraph (2), the covered employee appointed may continue to receive pay at a rate higher than that which would otherwise be applicable to that employee only so long as the employee continues to serve in a position requiring the specialized skills with respect to which the determination was made.
(d) Whenever the director of a health-care facility makes an appointment described in subsection (c)(1), the director may (without a regard to any requirement for prior approval at any higher level of authority within the Department) increase the rate of pay of other employees in the same covered position at that facility who are in the grade in which the appointment is made and are serving in a position requiring the specialized skills with respect to which the determination under subsection (c)(2) concerning the appointment was made. Any such increase shall continue in effect with respect to any employee only so long as the employee continues to serve in such a position.
(e) An employee in a covered position employed under
(f) In this section, the term "covered position" has the meaning given that term in
(Added
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (e).
1991—
Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7453. Nurses: additional pay
(a) In addition to the rate of basic pay provided for nurses, a nurse shall receive additional pay as provided by this section.
(b) A nurse performing service on a tour of duty, any part of which is within the period commencing at 6 postmeridian and ending at 6 antemeridian, shall receive additional pay for each hour of service on such tour at a rate equal to 10 percent of the nurse's hourly rate of basic pay if at least four hours of such tour fall between 6 postmeridian and 6 antemeridian. When less than four hours of such tour fall between 6 postmeridian and 6 antemeridian, the nurse shall be paid the differential for each hour of service performed between those hours.
(c) A nurse performing service on a tour of duty, any part of which is within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight Sunday, shall receive additional pay for each hour of service on such tour at a rate equal to 25 percent of such nurse's hourly rate of basic pay.
(d) A nurse performing service on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order shall receive for each hour of such service the nurse's hourly rate of basic pay, plus additional pay at a rate equal to such hourly rate of basic pay, for that holiday service, including overtime service. Any service required to be performed by a nurse on such a designated holiday shall be deemed to be a minimum of two hours in duration.
(e)(1) A nurse performing officially ordered or approved hours of service in excess of 40 hours in an administrative workweek, or in excess of eight hours in a day, shall receive overtime pay for each hour of such additional service. The overtime rates shall be one and one-half times such nurse's hourly rate of basic pay.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, overtime must be of at least 15 minutes duration in a day to be creditable for overtime pay.
(3) Compensatory time off in lieu of pay for service performed under the provisions of this subsection shall not be permitted, except as voluntarily requested in writing by the nurse in question.
(4) Any excess service performed under this subsection on a day when service was not scheduled for such nurse, or for which such nurse is required to return to the nurse's place of employment, shall be deemed to be a minimum of two hours in duration.
(5) For the purposes of this subsection, the period of a nurse's officially ordered or approved travel away from such nurse's duty station may not be considered to be hours of service unless—
(A) such travel occurs during such nurse's tour of duty; or
(B) such travel—
(i) involves the performance of services while traveling,
(ii) is incident to travel that involves the performance of services while traveling,
(iii) is carried out under arduous conditions as determined by the Secretary, or
(iv) results from an event which could not be scheduled or controlled administratively.
(f) For the purpose of computing the additional pay provided by subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e), a nurse's hourly rate of basic pay shall be derived by dividing such nurse's annual rate of basic pay by 2,080.
(g) When a nurse is entitled to two or more forms of additional pay under subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e) for the same period of service, the amounts of such additional pay shall be computed separately on the basis of such nurse's hourly rate of basic pay, except that no overtime pay as provided in subsection (e) shall be payable for overtime service performed on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order in addition to pay received under subsection (d) for such service.
(h) A nurse who is officially scheduled to be on call outside such nurse's regular hours or on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order shall be paid for each hour of such on-call duty, except for such time as such nurse may be called back to work, at a rate equal to 10 percent of the hourly rate for excess service as provided in subsection (e).
(i) Any additional pay paid pursuant to this section shall not be considered as basic pay for the purposes of the following provisions of title 5 (and any other provision of law relating to benefits based on basic pay):
(1) Subchapter VI of
(2) Section 5595.
(3) Chapters 81, 83, 84, and 87.
(j)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may increase the rates of additional pay authorized under subsections (b) through (h) if the Secretary determines that it is necessary to do so in order to obtain or retain the services of nurses.
(2) An increase under paragraph (1) in rates of additional pay—
(A) may be made at any specific Department health-care facility in order to provide nurses, or any category of nurses, at such facility additional pay in an amount competitive with, but not exceeding, the amount of the same type of pay that is paid to the same category of nurses at non-Federal health-care facilities in the same geographic area as such Department health-care facility (based upon a reasonably representative sampling of such non-Federal facilities); and
(B) may be made on a nationwide, local, or other geographic basis if the Secretary finds that such an increase is justified on the basis of a review of the need for such increase (based upon a reasonably representative sampling of non-Federal health-care facilities in the geographic area involved).
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1994—Subsecs. (f), (g).
Subsec. (i)(3).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7454. Physician assistants and other health care professionals: additional pay
(a) Physician assistants and expanded-function dental auxiliaries shall be entitled to additional pay on the same basis as provided for nurses in
(b) When the Secretary determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, or occupational therapists, the Secretary may, on a nationwide, local, or other geographic basis, pay persons employed in such positions additional pay on the same basis as provided for nurses in
(c) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation standards for compensation and payment under this section.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
§7455. Increases in rates of basic pay
(a)(1) Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), when the Secretary determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of persons described in paragraph (2), the Secretary may increase the minimum, intermediate, or maximum rates of basic pay authorized under applicable statutes and regulations. Any increase in such rates of basic pay—
(A) may be made on a nationwide basis, local basis, or other geographic basis; and
(B) may be made—
(i) for one or more of the grades listed in the schedules in subsection (b)(1) of
(ii) for one or more of the health personnel fields within such grades; or
(iii) for one or more of the grades of the General Schedule under
(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following:
(A) Individuals employed in positions listed in paragraphs (1) and (3) of
(B) Health-care personnel who—
(i) are employed in the Administration (other than administrative, clerical, and physical plant maintenance and protective services employees);
(ii) are paid under the General Schedule pursuant to
(iii) are determined by the Secretary to be providing either direct patient-care services or services incident to direct patient-care services; and
(iv) would not otherwise be available to provide medical care and treatment for veterans.
(C) Employees who are Department police officers providing services under
(b) Increases in rates of basic pay may be made under subsection (a) only in order—
(1) to provide pay in an amount competitive with, but not exceeding, the amount of the same type of pay paid to the same category of personnel at non-Federal facilities in the same labor market;
(2) to achieve adequate staffing at particular facilities; or
(3) to recruit personnel with specialized skills, especially those with skills which are especially difficult or demanding.
(c)(1) The amount of any increase under subsection (a) in the maximum rate for any grade may not (except in the case of nurse anesthetists and licensed physical therapists) exceed by two times the amount by which the maximum for such grade (under applicable provisions of law other than this subsection) exceeds the minimum for such grade (under applicable provisions of law other than this subsection), and the maximum rate as so increased may not exceed the rate paid for individuals serving as Assistant Under Secretary for Health.
(2) Whenever the amount of an increase under subsection (a) results in a rate of basic pay for a position being equal to or greater than the amount that is 94 percent of the maximum amount permitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly notify the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of the increase and the amount thereof.
(d)(1) In the exercise of the authority provided in subsection (a) with respect to personnel described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (2) of that subsection to increase the rates of basic pay for any category of personnel not appointed under subchapter I, the Secretary shall, not less than 45 days before the effective date of a proposed increase, notify the President of the Secretary's intention to provide such an increase.
(2) Such a proposed increase shall not take effect if, before the effective date of the proposed increase, the President disapproves such increase and provides the appropriate committees of the Congress with a written statement of the President's reasons for such disapproval.
(3) If, before that effective date, the President approves such increase, the Secretary may advance the effective date to any date not earlier than the date of the President's approval.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (c).
1991—Subsec. (a)(2)(C).
Ex. Ord. No. 12797. Review of Increases in Rates of Basic Pay for Certain Employees of Department of Veterans Affairs and Other Agencies
Ex. Ord. No. 12797, Apr. 3, 1992, 57 F.R. 11671, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7455(d)(2)–(3) of
(1) Provide pay in an amount competitive with, but not exceeding, the amount of the same type of pay paid to the same category of health-care personnel at non-Federal health-care facilities in the same labor market;
(2) Achieve adequate staffing at particular facilities; or
(3) Recruit personnel with specialized skills, especially those with skills which are especially difficult or demanding.
George Bush.
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7456. Nurses: special rules for weekend duty
(a) Subject to subsection (b), if the Secretary determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of nurses at any Department health-care facility, the Secretary may provide, in the case of nurses appointed under this chapter and employed at such facility, that such nurses who work two regularly scheduled 12-hour tours of duty within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight the following Sunday shall be considered for all purposes (except computation of full-time equivalent employees for the purposes of determining compliance with personnel ceilings) to have worked a full 40-hour basic workweek.
(b)(1) Basic and additional pay for a nurse who is considered under subsection (a) to have worked a full 40-hour basic workweek shall be subject to paragraphs (2) and (3).
(2) The hourly rate of basic pay for such a nurse for service performed as part of a regularly scheduled 12-hour tour of duty within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight the following Sunday shall be derived by dividing the nurse's annual rate of basic pay by 1,248.
(3)(A) Such a nurse who performs a period of service in excess of such nurse's regularly scheduled two 12-hour tours of duty is entitled to overtime pay under
(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a nurse to whom this subsection is applicable is not entitled to additional pay under
(C) If the Secretary determines it to be further necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of nurses at a particular facility, a nurse to whom this paragraph is applicable who performs service in excess of such nurse's regularly scheduled two 12-hour tours of duty may be paid overtime pay under
(c) A nurse described in subsection (b)(1) who is absent on approved sick leave or annual leave during a regularly scheduled 12-hour tour of duty shall be charged for such leave at a rate of five hours of leave for three hours of absence.
(d) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the implementation of this section.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
§7457. On-call pay
(a) The Secretary may pay an employee to whom this section applies pay at the rate provided in
(b) This section applies to an employee who meets each of the following criteria:
(1) The employee is employed in a position listed in paragraph (3) of
(2) The employee is employed in a work unit for which on-call premium pay is authorized.
(3) The employee is officially scheduled to be on call outside such employee's regular hours or on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order.
(c) An employee who is eligible for on-call pay under subsection (a) and who was receiving standby premium pay pursuant to
(1) the rate of pay which such employee would receive if being paid the rate of standby pay pursuant to such section that such individual would be entitled to receive if such individual were not scheduled to be on call instead, or
(2) the rate of pay which such employee is entitled to receive including on-call premium pay described in subsection (a).
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7458. Recruitment and retention bonus pay
(a)(1) In order to recruit and retain registered nurses, the Secretary may enter into agreements under this section. Such an agreement may be entered into with any registered nurse who is employed at, or who agrees to accept employment with the Department at, a Department health-care facility that is designated by the Secretary as a health-care facility with a significant shortage in registered nurses in any clinical service.
(2) A registered nurse entering into an agreement under this section shall agree to remain employed by the Department as a registered nurse for a period of time to be specified in the agreement and to serve during that period in a specific health-care facility that is designated by the Secretary as a health-care facility with a significant shortage of registered nurses in that nurse's clinical service. Such period may not be less than two years or more than four years. Such employment during such period may be on a full-time basis or a part-time basis, as specified in the agreement. Part-time employment as specified in such an agreement may not be less than half-time.
(b)(1) The Secretary shall pay to any nurse entering into an agreement under this section bonus pay in an amount specified in the agreement. The amount of such bonus pay may not exceed—
(A) $2,000 per year, in the case of an agreement for two years,
(B) $3,000 per year, in the case of an agreement for three years, and
(C) $4,000 per year, in the case of an agreement for four years.
(2) In the case of an agreement for employment on less than a full-time basis, the amount of bonus pay shall be pro rated 1 accordingly.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a bonus under this section shall be paid in equal installments after each year of service is completed throughout the period of obligated service specified in the agreement.
(2)(A) The Secretary may make a payment in an amount not in excess of 25 percent of the total bonus in a lump sum at the time that the period of obligated service commences under the agreement.
(B) If the Secretary makes a lump-sum payment under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the remaining balance of the bonus shall be paid in equal installments after each year of service is completed throughout the period of obligated service specified in the agreement.
(d)(1) A bonus paid to any individual under this section shall be in addition to any pay or allowance to which the individual is entitled.
(2) The amount of a bonus paid under this section shall not be considered to be basic pay for the purposes of
(e) At least once each year the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, shall determine the specific health-care facilities and clinical services, if any, as to which there are significant problems with respect to the recruitment and retention of registered nurses. Upon making any such determination, the Secretary shall promptly notify the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the determination and the basis for the determination.
(f) The Secretary may enter into agreements under this section with individuals in a health profession other than nursing (and other than a health profession for which special pay may be provided under subchapter III) if the Secretary determines that there are significant problems with respect to recruitment and retention of employees in that health profession. The Secretary's authority to enter into any such agreement under this section, and such agreement, shall be subject to the provisions of this section in the same manner as are the authority to enter into an agreement under this section with a registered nurse and such an agreement.
(g)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who voluntarily, or because of misconduct, fails to perform services as assigned by the Secretary for the period of obligated service provided in an agreement under this section shall refund to the United States the amount by which the total amount of bonus payments received by that individual under this section exceeds the amount that such individual would have received under an agreement under this section to serve for the period of obligated service actually served (as determined at the time the agreement is entered into). If the period actually served is less than two years, the amount to be refunded is the entire amount paid to the individual.
(2) An individual shall not be required to make a refund under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the Secretary determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed under subsection (h) of this section, that the individual's failure to perform services for the period of obligated service is due to circumstances (not including separation for cause) beyond the control of the individual.
(3) An obligation to refund any portion of a bonus payment under this subsection is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States.
(4) The provisions of this subsection and the specific amounts that the individual could be required to refund shall be disclosed to the individual at the time the agreement is entered into and shall be clearly set forth in the contract.
(h) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
(Added
Amendments
1994—
1992—Subsec. (e).
1991—
Subsec. (a).
Subsecs. (b)(1), (c)(2), (e).
Subsec. (f).
Subsecs. (g)(1), (2), (h).
SUBCHAPTER V—DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
§7461. Adverse actions: section 7401(1) employees
(a) Whenever the Under Secretary for Health (or an official designated by the Under Secretary for Health) brings charges based on conduct or performance against a section 7401(1) employee and as a result of those charges an adverse personnel action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action.
(b)(1) If the case involves or includes a question of professional conduct or competence in which a major adverse action was taken, such an appeal shall be made to a Disciplinary Appeals Board under
(2) In any other case, such an appeal shall be made—
(A) through Department grievance procedures under
(B) through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining under
(c) For purposes of this subchapter—
(1) Section 7401(1) employees are employees of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment in a position listed in
(2) A major adverse action is an adverse action which includes any of the following:
(A) Suspension.
(B) Transfer.
(C) Reduction in grade.
(D) Reduction in basic pay.
(E) Discharge.
(3) A question of professional conduct or competence is a question involving any of the following:
(A) Direct patient care.
(B) Clinical competence.
(d) An issue of whether a matter or question concerns, or arises out of, professional conduct or competence is not itself subject to any grievance procedure provided by law, regulation, or collective bargaining and may not be reviewed by any other agency.
(e) Whenever the Secretary proposes to prescribe regulations under this subchapter, the Secretary shall publish the proposed regulations in the Federal Register for notice-and-comment not less than 30 days before the day on which they take effect.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a).
Regulations
Section 204 of
§7462. Major adverse actions involving professional conduct or competence
(a)(1) Disciplinary Appeals Boards appointed under
(A) which arises out of (or which includes) a question of professional conduct or competence of a section 7401(1) employee; and
(B) in which a major adverse action was taken.
(2) The board shall include in its record of decision in any mixed case a statement of the board's exclusive jurisdiction under this subsection and the basis for such exclusive jurisdiction.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (2), a mixed case is a case that includes both a major adverse action arising out of a question of professional conduct or competence and an adverse action which is not a major adverse action or which does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence.
(b)(1) In any case in which charges are brought against a section 7401(1) employee which arises out of, or includes, a question of professional conduct or competence which could result in a major adverse action, the employee is entitled to the following:
(A) At least 30 days advance written notice from the Under Secretary for Health or other charging official specifically stating the basis for each charge, the adverse actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained, and a statement of any specific law, regulation, policy, procedure, practice, or other specific instruction that has been violated with respect to each charge, except that the requirement for notification in advance may be waived if there is reasonable cause to believe that the employee has committed a crime for which the employee may be imprisoned.
(B) A reasonable time, but not less than seven days, to present an answer orally and in writing to the Under Secretary for Health or other deciding official, who shall be an official higher in rank than the charging official, and to submit affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer.
(2) In any case described in paragraph (1), the employee is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative of the employee's choice at all stages of the case.
(3)(A) If a proposed adverse action covered by this section is not withdrawn, the deciding official shall render a decision in writing within 21 days of receipt by the deciding official of the employee's answer. The decision shall include a statement of the specific reasons for the decision with respect to each charge. If a major adverse action is imposed, the decision shall state whether any of the charges sustained arose out of a question of professional conduct or competence. If any of the charges are sustained, the notice of the decision to the employee shall include notice of the employee's rights of appeal.
(B) Notwithstanding the 21-day period specified in subparagraph (A), a proposed adverse action may be held in abeyance if the employee requests, and the deciding official agrees, that the employee shall seek counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any such abeyance of a proposed action may not extend for more than one year.
(4)(A) The Secretary may require that any answer and submission under paragraph (1)(B) be submitted so as to be received within 30 days of the date of the written notice of the charges, except that the Secretary shall allow the granting of extensions for good cause shown.
(B) The Secretary shall require that any appeal to a Disciplinary Appeals Board from a decision to impose a major adverse action shall be received within 30 days after the date of service of the written decision on the employee.
(c)(1) When a Disciplinary Appeals Board convenes to consider an appeal in a case under this section, the board, before proceeding to consider the merits of the appeal, shall determine whether the case is properly before it.
(2) Upon hearing such an appeal, the board shall, with respect to each charge appealed to the board, sustain the charge, dismiss the charge, or sustain the charge in part and dismiss the charge in part. If the deciding official is sustained (in whole or in part) with respect to any such charge, the board shall—
(A) approve the action as imposed;
(B) approve the action with modification, reduction, or exception; or
(C) reverse the action.
(3) A board shall afford an employee appealing an adverse action under this section an opportunity for an oral hearing. If such a hearing is held, the board shall provide the employee with a transcript of the hearing.
(4) The board shall render a decision in any case within 45 days of completion of the hearing, if there is a hearing, and in any event no later than 120 days after the appeal commenced.
(d)(1) After resolving any question as to whether a matter involves professional conduct or competence, the Secretary shall cause to be executed the decision of the Disciplinary Appeals Board in a timely manner and in any event in not more than 90 days after the decision of the Board is received by the Secretary. Pursuant to the board's decision, the Secretary may order reinstatement, award back pay, and provide such other remedies as the board found appropriate relating directly to the proposed action, including expungement of records relating to the action.
(2) If the Secretary finds a decision of the board to be clearly contrary to the evidence or unlawful, the Secretary may—
(A) reverse the decision of the board, or
(B) vacate the decision of the board and remand the matter to the Board for further consideration.
(3) If the Secretary finds the decision of the board (while not clearly contrary to the evidence or unlawful) to be not justified by the nature of the charges, the Secretary may mitigate the adverse action imposed.
(4) The Secretary's execution of a board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case.
(e) The Secretary may designate an employee of the Department to represent management in any case before a Disciplinary Appeals Board.
(f)(1) A section 7401(1) employee adversely affected by a final order or decision of a Disciplinary Appeals Board (as reviewed by the Secretary) may obtain judicial review of the order or decision.
(2) In any case in which judicial review is sought under this subsection, the court shall review the record and hold unlawful and set aside any agency action, finding, or conclusion found to be—
(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law;
(B) obtained without procedures required by law, rule, or regulation having been followed; or
(C) unsupported by substantial evidence.
(Added
References in Text
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(B), is
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (b)(1).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7463. Other adverse actions
(a) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation procedures for the consideration of grievances of section 7401(1) employees arising from adverse personnel actions in which each action taken either—
(1) is not a major adverse action; or
(2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence.
Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters, other than as part of a mixed case (as defined in
(b) In the case of an employee who is a member of a collective bargaining unit under
(c)(1) In any case in which charges are brought against a section 7401(1) employee which could result in a major adverse action and which do not involve professional conduct or competence, the employee is entitled to the same notice and opportunity to answer with respect to those charges as provided in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
(2) In any other case in which charges are brought against a section 7401(1) employee, the employee is entitled to—
(A) an advance written notice stating the specific reason for the proposed action, and
(B) a reasonable time to answer orally and in writing and to furnish affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer.
(d) Grievance procedures prescribed under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) A right to formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department of Veterans Affairs, who, in the case of an adverse action arising from a question of professional conduct or competence, shall be selected from the panel designated under
(2) A right to a prompt report of the findings and recommendations by the impartial examiner.
(3) A right to a prompt review of the examiner's findings and recommendations by an official of a higher level than the official who decided upon the action. That official may accept, modify, or reject the examiner's recommendations.
(e) In any review of an adverse action under the grievance procedures prescribed under subsection (a), the employee is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative of the employee's choice at all stages of the case.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§7464. Disciplinary Appeals Boards
(a) The Secretary shall from time to time appoint boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions described in
(b)(1) In appointing a board for any case, the Secretary shall designate one of the members to be chairman and one of the members to be secretary of the board, each of whom shall have authority to administer oaths.
(2) Appointment of boards, and the proceedings of such boards, shall be carried out under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. A verbatim record shall be maintained of board hearings.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding
(2) In any such case the board chairman may direct that measures be taken to protect the personal privacy of individuals whose records are involved. Any person who uses or discloses a record or information covered by this subsection for any purpose other than in connection with the proceedings of the board shall be fined not more than $5,000 in the case of a first offense and not more than $20,000 in the case of a subsequent offense.
(d)(1) The Secretary shall provide for the periodic designation of employees of the Department who are qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards. Those employees shall constitute the panel from which board members in a case are appointed. The Secretary shall provide (without charge) a list of the names of employees on the panel to any person requesting such list.
(2) The Secretary shall announce periodically, and not less often than annually, that the roster of employees on the panel is available as described in paragraph (1). Such announcement shall be made at Department medical facilities and through publication in the Federal Register. Notice of a name being on the list must be provided at least 30 days before the individual selected may serve on a Board or as a grievance examiner. Employees, employee organizations, and other interested parties may submit comments to the Secretary concerning the suitability for service on the panel of any employee whose name is on the list.
(3) The Secretary shall provide training in the functions and duties of Disciplinary Appeals Boards and grievance procedures under
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
SUBCHAPTER VI—REGIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION CENTERS
§7471. Designation of Regional Medical Education Centers
(a) In carrying out the Secretary's functions under
(b) Each Regional Medical Education Center (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as "Center") designated under subsection (a) shall provide continuing medical and related education programs for personnel eligible for training under this subchapter. Such programs shall include the following:
(1) The teaching of newly developed medical skills and the use of newly developed medical technologies and equipment.
(2) Advanced clinical instruction.
(3) The opportunity for conducting clinical investigations.
(4) Clinical demonstrations in the use of new types of health personnel and in the better use of the skills of existing health personnel.
(5) Routine verification of basic medical skills and, where determined necessary, remediation of any deficiency in such skills.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
§7472. Supervision and staffing of Centers
(a) Centers shall be operated under the supervision of the Under Secretary for Health and shall be staffed with personnel qualified to provide the highest quality instruction and training in various medical and health care disciplines.
(b) As a means of providing appropriate recognition to persons in the career service of the Administration who possess outstanding qualifications in a particular medical or health care discipline, the Under Secretary for Health shall from time to time and for such period as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate assign such persons to serve as visiting instructors at Centers.
(c) Whenever the Under Secretary for Health considers it necessary for the effective conduct of the program provided for under this subchapter, the Under Secretary for Health may contract for the services of highly qualified medical and health personnel from outside the Department to serve as instructors at such Centers.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—
§7473. Personnel eligible for training
(a) The Under Secretary for Health shall determine the manner in which personnel are to be selected for training in the Centers. Preference shall be given to career personnel of the Administration.
(b) To the extent that facilities are available medical and health personnel from outside the Administration may, on a reimbursable basis, be provided training in the Centers. Such reimbursement may include reciprocal training of personnel of the Administration provided under sharing arrangements entered into by the Under Secretary for Health and the heads of the entities providing such reciprocal training. Any amounts received by the United States as reimbursement under this subsection shall be credited to the applicable Department medical appropriation account.
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—
§7474. Consultation
The Under Secretary for Health shall carry out this subchapter after consultation with the special medical advisory group established pursuant to
(Added
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in
Amendments
1992—