H.R. 3489: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act

This bill, known as the "Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act," aims to amend existing laws related to the appointment, qualifications, and pay for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here are the key components of the bill:

Appointment of Medical Physicists

The bill seeks to officially add "therapeutic medical physicists" and "diagnostic medical physicists" to the list of positions recognized for appointment within the VA. This change is intended to give these professionals similar status as other healthcare providers, such as physician assistants.

Qualifications Required

The bill outlines specific qualifications needed for the roles of therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists. To be eligible, candidates must:

• Complete a post-graduate clinical training program in their respective fields that meets standards set by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
• Obtain board certification in their field from an approved certifying body.

Pay and Grade Structure

The legislation aims to adjust the pay structure for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists. Key changes include:

• Adding these roles to the existing pay structure that includes other medical positions, thereby providing them a designated category for grading and compensation.
• Including specific mentions of therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists in related sections about pay increases and administration of personnel matters.

Reporting Requirements

After the bill is enacted, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be required to submit a report within one year. This report will cover:

• The effects of increased pay on therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists employed full-time.
• The impact on those who provide care through agreements with the VA.
• Any changes related to the costs incurred by the VA as a result of these amendments.

Administrative Adjustments

The bill also includes provisions for necessary clerical and administrative amendments to ensure that the new categories for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists are clearly defined in the relevant legal texts and organizational structures of the VA.

Transitional Changes

During the transition to these new provisions, the VA will need to implement the changes in a way that aligns both with existing personnel frameworks and compliance requirements set forth in the bill.

Relevant Companies

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