Bill > S1871

This bill, the VA Provider Equity Act, aims to clarify the role of podiatrists in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The key provisions include: 1. Designating podiatrists appointed under section 7401(1) of title 38, United States Code, as eligible for any supervisory position in the Veterans Health Administration to the same degree as physicians. 2. Requiring the VA Secretary, in consultation with stakeholders, to establish standards to ensure that specialists appointed to supervisory positions do not provide direct clinical oversight for providers of other clinical specialties. 3. Modifying the pay grade schedule to be titled "PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON (MD/DO), PODIATRIC SURGEON (DPM), AND DENTIST AND ORAL SURGEON (DDS, DMD) SCHEDULE" and removing the separate "PODIATRIST" category. These changes aim to recognize the expertise of podiatrists and provide them with equal opportunities for leadership roles within the VA healthcare system, while also ensuring appropriate oversight mechanisms are in place.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1871/all-info