Brownley, Walz Explore Ways For VA To Increase Recruitment And Retention Of Quality Physicians

Statement

Today, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health conducted a hearing entitled, "Healthy Hiring: Enabling VA to Recruit and Retain Quality Providers," in order to learn more about the root causes of the staffing shortages persistent at the VA and ways in which the Department can boost recruitment and retention of talented providers. House Committee on Veterans Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN) and Subcommittee on Health Ranking Member Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statements:

"We must address the staffing challenges at the VA that prevent us from providing the highest quality care to our veterans in a timely manner," Rep. Brownley said. "Central to achieving this is addressing the Department's lengthy hiring process and ability to retain workforce talent. We must also address the shortage of space and exam rooms, due to Congress' failure to authorize new facilities, which has exacerbated hiring challenges and further delayed care for veterans. I am committed to working with the Committee on this bipartisan effort to ensure that the VA has the tools to properly staff its facilities and maintain a high quality workforce to provide our veterans with the best care."

"Improving VA's capacity to recruit, hire, and retain talented physicians is central to ensuring a positive veteran experience at the VA," Rep. Walz said. "The VA has always been a leader in delivering patient-centered care. That is why it is so important our Committee continues its sustained, bipartisan commitment in seeking out the root cause of the Department's staffing shortage so we may ensure the VA always has the staffing flexibility it needs to employ the best physicians and support staff who will continue a legacy of superior care."

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