Addressing Occupational Staffing Shortages in the Veterans Health Administration
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Date
2022-05
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Abstract
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the component agency of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) responsible for administering health care benefits to veterans and eligible beneficiaries, is facing chronic workforce shortages in clinical and nonclinical occupations at medical facilities across the nation. As a result, veterans and other beneficiaries who rely on the VA for their health care needs are experiencing diminished access to timely and quality health care services – putting their health and wellbeing at risk. This proposal details a legislative solution that offers increased educational and financial incentives to boost the recruitment and retention of those in sought-after occupations. An analysis of the proposal’s policy and political implications finds that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages and should therefore be made into law.
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Keywords
Veterans Health Administration, VHA, veteran, health care