Bill > HR693

This bill, known as the VA Medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline Act or the VACANT Act, aims to limit the detailing of directors of medical centers within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to different positions within the department. The key provisions of the bill are as follows: 1. Notification requirement: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must notify the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees within 90 days of detailing a medical center director to a different position, including details about the new position, the expected absence duration, and other relevant information. 2. Acting director appointment: Within 120 days of detailing a medical center director to a different position, the Secretary must appoint an individual as the acting director of the medical center with full authority and responsibilities. 3. Regular updates: The Secretary must provide updates to the congressional committees every 30 days while the detail is in effect or the director position is vacant. 4. Return to position or reassignment: Except in cases of ongoing investigations or administrative actions, the Secretary must either return the detailed director to their original position or begin the process of hiring a new director within 180 days of the initial detail. The Secretary can waive this requirement for up to four additional 90-day increments, but must notify Congress when exercising such a waiver.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/693/all-info