H.R. 2787, VET MD Act

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 2787, the VET MD Act, under suspension of the rules.  H.R. 2787 was introduced on June 6, 2017 by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, which ordered the bill reported, as amended, by voice vote on July 12, 2018.

Summary              

H.R. 2787 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a one-year pilot program beginning no later than August 15, 2021, in at least five regionally diverse VA medical centers to provide undergraduate students a clinical observation experience within VA. The pilot shall increase awareness, knowledge, and empathy of future medical professionals toward medical conditions common to veterans, increase the diversity or the recruitment pool of future VA physicians, provide a diverse clinical observation experience commensurate with the standard expectations for medical school applications, and expand clinical observation opportunities for all students by encouraging students of all background to consider a career in medicine.

Background

According to testimony from the Partnership for Public Service in March 2016, VA’s considerable recruitment and retention issues are worsened by an aging workforce that is increasingly retirement-eligible, creating concerns about the Department’s ability to continue providing high-quality benefits and services to future generations of veterans. The Committee believes that improving the recruitment and retention of younger employees is critical to VA’s continued success. However, VA has historically performed poorly in comparison to other Federal agencies in inspiring and hiring younger employees. VA has an important medical professional training mission that could be leveraged to recruit prospective young providers to VA service.

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates enacting H.R. 2787 would cost $2 million over the 2019-2023 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Jake Vreeburg with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-1374.