Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act
H.R. 3489, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act, would formally add therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pay and appointment framework established in title 38 of the United States Code. The bill requires specific qualifications for appointment (post-graduate clinical training in therapeutic or diagnostic medical physics and board certification from a Secretary-approved certifying body), creates dedicated pay grades for these roles, and places them within the VA pay and personnel administration structure alongside other medical professionals (such as physicians, podiatrists, and dentists). It also mandates a congressional report within one year detailing the impact on pay, costs, and care provided under contract with the Secretary. In short, the bill aims to standardize entry requirements and formalize pay for VA therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists, potentially affecting recruitment, retention, and budgeting.
Key Points
- 1Adds therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists to the VA appointment framework, alongside physicians and other health professionals.
- 2Establishes eligibility criteria for appointments: (a) post-graduate clinical training in therapeutic or diagnostic medical physics acceptable to the Secretary, and (b) board certification in the respective field by a Secretary-approved certifying body.
- 3Creates dedicated pay grades for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists, integrating them into the VA pay structure and aligning with existing categories (e.g., podiatrists, dentists).
- 4Makes conforming changes to VA pay administration and subchapter headings, ensuring these roles are treated within the same pay framework as other medical professionals.
- 5Requires a report to Congress within one year of enactment detailing pay effects, care provided under VA agreements, and any cost changes to the Department.