New VA Law Dramatically Speeds Up Hiring of Medical Center and Network Director Positions

WASHINGTON — On June 23, President Donald J. Trump signed into law S. 1094, the “Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017,” which makes a number of changes to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authorities related to personnel, accountability and whistleblower protections.

While the accountability and whistleblower-protection provisions outlined in the bill are generally well known, the law also provides VA with direct-hiring authority to fill medical center director and network director positions.

Thanks to the new law, VA now has the flexibility to hire qualified health-care executives expeditiously to lead its key health-care organizations without going through a previously cumbersome and time-consuming hiring process.

“Being able quickly to hire skilled executives to lead our medical centers and networks is a powerful tool to ensuring the best possible leadership being put in place,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “Leaders establish the vision for our thousands of employees who are doing their best to serve our nation’s Veterans. They also ensure accountability for those employees who do not deliver the care our Veterans deserve.”

VA encourages qualified candidates for medical center or network director positions to apply immediately by contacting the VHA Virtual Recruitment Center at 844-456-5208, or by submitting a résumé for consideration to VACareers@va.gov.