• Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Practice Hours

  The Office of the Surgeon General, Commissioned Corps Headquarters is pleased to announce the approval of the Clinical Services Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. The approval of this MOA will provide opportunities for licensed clinical Public Health Service officers who are not in clinical billets to serve at VA/VHA facilities to maintain their clinical skills. The USPHS Commissioned Corps defines licensed clinical Public Health Service officers as Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Therapists, Psychologists, Dietitians, Podiatrists, Social Workers, Medical Technicians/Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Veterinarians, and Optometrists, though Veterinarians are not covered in the VA/VHA MOA. This is an exciting opportunity for those who are looking to obtain the yearly 80 practice hours requirement in accordance with Commissioned Corps Directive (CCD) 111.03, “Conditions of Service,” CCD 121.02, “Deployment and Readiness,” Commissioned Corps Instruction (CCI) 241.01, “Readiness and Duty Requirements,” CCI 241.02, “Deployment of Corps Officers,” and CCI 633.01, “Special Pays.”

  The USPHS Commissioned Corps Liaison Officer for the VHA/VA will serve as the Coordinator with the VH/VA Central Office for expeditious credentialing of all Public Health Service officers who will who are interested.  For questions regarding the Clinical Services MOA and the National Vaccine Campaign efforts, please contact the Liaison Officer at “202-820-0451 or jill.breitbach@va.gov.” (April 2021)

  Below are frequently asked questions:

  1. Can I complete clinical hours at any VA facility?
     • Any facility is eligible to participate under this MOA; no facility is obligated to participate.
  2. Can I complete clinical hours as a VA tele-health provider?
     • Yes. VHA may permit and/or request that PHS Officers provide services via tele-health. This will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
  3. Can I be compensated for travel to remote VA facilities for provision of clinical care under this MOA?
     • Yes. Any travel expenses will be limited to travel logistics only pursuant to the Joint Travel Regulations (i.e., round-trip travel to work site, hotel accommodation, and per diem). No Title 37 compensation or other expenses will be paid by VHA. Officers would utilize the VA Concur Travel system, and the local VA facility would be responsible for all administrative/fiscal requirements.
  4. Will the VA provide orientation?
     • Yes. The VHA will provide an orientation to PHS Officers working at the VHA facility that will address VA- wide policies, procedures, rules and laws, professional competencies, infection control, hazardous material handling, pertinent safety precautions and procedures, patient confidentiality and informed consent, patient-care philosophy, informatics management, telehealth (if applicable) and other professional expectations of the facility, including, but not limited to required medical examinations, immunizations, and health screenings, medical clearances, training obligations, and PPE requirements.
  5. Will I be eligible for VA Employee training or continuing education?
     • The VHA will grant Officers professional and administrative privileges to the extent permissible within their training, education, and skill similar to those of comparable VHA facility professional staff. Officers will not displace any Title 38 Employees of their benefits.
  6. Am I covered under Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)?
     • Yes, when a PHS Officer complete PHS 7085 this ensures FTCA coverage.
     • It is agreed that tort claims arising out of the activities under this agreement, including those alleging negligent acts or omissions by an Officer will be administratively adjudicated by VA. The USPHS Commissioned Corps agrees to cooperate in providing information, documentation, and access to any witness under its control to assist the evaluation and resolution of said claim. Adjudication of the claim may include final settlement at the discretion of VA in accordance with the FTCA. Accordingly, pursuant to 38 C.F.R. Part 46, VHA is responsible for reporting individuals to the National Practitioner Data Bank regarding any payment for the benefit of a licensed health care practitioner that was made as the result of a settlement or judgment of an FTCA claim of medical malpractice. The VHA facility will ensure compliance with all due-process requirements set forth in applicable VA regulations.
  7. What if there is a change in supervisors and/or leadership?
     • Termination of this Clinical Hours agreement by either party (VHA Senior Executives or HHS Executives) requires written notification sixty (60) calendar days prior to the termination date. Local agreements or understandings in further implementation of this MOA are not subject to this sixty-day written termination requirement. Local supervisors (Agency and/or VA Facility) may terminate the agreement at any time.
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  The link above will take you to the Noncompetitive Promotion Roster for Promotion Year 2020.

  FAQs Practice Hours and Special Pay Changes

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  As we position ourselves to assist with controlling the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), please note that we’re in an “all-hands on deck” status. Messaging has gone out from the Assistant Secretary for Health reminding Commissioned Corps officers of their deployment responsibilities...

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