Underwood Passes Legislation to Address Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse and Physician Assistant Shortage

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) applauds the inclusion of her legislation to address the health care professional shortage within the Department of Veterans Affairs in the government funding package that was signed into law by President Biden. The bipartisan VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act would increase the maximum salary for nurses and physician assistants (PAs) to help the VA attract and retain top health care talent and ensure veterans receive timely, high-quality care. The legislation is co-led by Representative David P. Joyce (R-OH-14), the Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus.

"I am grateful for the many ways that VA's nurses and PAs have stepped up to serve veterans during an incredibly challenging pandemic. They have fulfilled with distinction the Department's Fourth Mission to support national emergency preparedness and response efforts. VA should be able to pay providers competitive salaries to ensure veterans have access to high-quality care," said Underwood. "That's why I am proud to see my RAISE Act included as part of the government funding legislation that was just signed into law by the President."

The bipartisan VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act will:

· Increase the maximum salary for VA's advanced practice nurses (APRN) from level IV to level I of the Executive Schedule.

· Increase the maximum salary for VA's physician assistants from level V to level I of the Executive Schedule.

· Increase the maximum salary for all other VA registered nurses (RN) from level IV to level II of the Executive Schedule.

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