S. 3771: Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act of 2026, aims to amend existing U.S. laws regarding the appointment, qualifications, and pay of therapeutic medical physicists within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here is an overview of the key provisions of the bill:

Appointment

The bill expands the categories of positions within the VA to include therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists, thereby allowing these professionals to be officially appointed in the VA system.

Qualifications

The legislation sets forth specific qualifications required for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists:

• Therapeutic Medical Physicist: Candidates must complete a post-graduate clinical training program in therapeutic medical physics approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and obtain board certification in the field.
• Diagnostic Medical Physicist: Similar qualifications are outlined, requiring completion of a post-graduate clinical training program in diagnostic medical physics and board certification.

Pay Structure Changes

The bill adjusts the pay structure within the VA to include therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists, ensuring they receive appropriate pay comparable to other health professionals in the department. Specific amendments include:

• Addition of therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists to sections that outline existing pay grades.
• Incorporation of these positions into discussions regarding pay and personnel administration in the VA.

Report Requirement

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit a report to both the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs. This report must include:

• An assessment of the effects of increased pay for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists employed full-time.
• Impact on those physicists providing care under agreements with the Secretary.
• Any changes in costs to the Department resulting from these amendments.

Related Administrative Changes

The bill also makes various clerical and administrative adjustments to ensure that the terms and pay structures related to therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists are seamlessly integrated into the existing framework of the VA’s personnel and compensation system.

Relevant Companies

None found