Government Issues VA Hiring Report

Week of November 03, 2008

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the shortcomings of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ability to recruit and retain medical personnel. The report was requested by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO). The GAO report outlined how hiring practices and rigid work schedules hold back VA's ability to hire and keep the most qualified medical professionals. S. 2969, among other things, would have expanded work schedule options and otherwise strengthened VA's capacity for recruitment and retention. The GAO's report is available here.