A bipartisan group of senators led by Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced the Health Care Staffing Improvement Act Sept. 6, which seeks to improve clinical staffing at Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities, KTVZ.com reports.
The legislation would make it easier for veterans who served in a medical capacity while in the military to transition to positions in the VA system. It would also standardize the complicated recredentialing process that makes it difficult for VA physicians to transfer between facilities.
"For too long, the VA has struggled to recruit and retain frontline health care providers, further exacerbating the issues already plaguing the VA system," Mr. Tillis said. "[This bill] directly addresses this problem by reducing bureaucratic barriers and by creating a streamlined process for transitioning service members to bring their invaluable training and experience to the VA, which will make it easier for VA facilities across the nation to provide our veterans with the high quality care they need and deserve."
The bill has been introduced in the House by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.