Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Veterans Affairs Department Has Tens Of Thousands Of Vacancies It Can't Fill
The Washington Post: Trump Says Veterans Wait Too Long For Health Care. VA’s 33,000 Vacancies Might Have Something To Do With That.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, facing intense scrutiny amid reports of widespread dysfunction and a push by the Trump administration to outsource more medical care, has tens of thousands of full- and part-time vacancies nationwide, according to data compiled by veterans advocates, lawmakers and federal unions. Most urgently, the agency’s health-care network needs thousands of primary care physicians, mental-health providers, physical therapists, social workers — even janitorial staff, Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.), ranking Democrat of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, told The Washington Post in an interview. Of equal concern, he said, VA lacks enough human resources personnel to vet candidates and make the hires. (Wax-Thibodeaux, 4/10)
In other news —
The Hill: VA Privatization Fight Could Erupt In Confirmation Hearing
Long-simmering tensions about privatizing the Department of Veterans Affairs could erupt into a confirmation battle over President Trump's pick to lead the department. Trump’s decision to oust former VA Secretary David Shulkin late last month and replace him with White House physician Ronny Jackson stoked speculation that the White House wants to allow veterans more access to private-sector health care providers. (Weixel, 4/11)
