S. 1556, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify authorities relating to the collective bargaining of employees in the Veterans Health Administration
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As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on November 19, 2013
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on November 19, 2013
For certain employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), S. 1556 would expand the conditions of employment subject to collective bargaining. Under current law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has broad authority to prescribe in regulation the hours and conditions of employment for the 92,000 physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, registered nurses, and physician and dental assistants employed by VHA. Those medical professionals are prohibited from collectively bargaining over matters pertaining to professional conduct and competence, peer reviews, and compensation.
S. 1556 would eliminate those restrictions.