Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan bill to address the growing problem of VA medical centers operating without permanent directors, an instability that puts the care of our nation’s veterans at risk.  The Bost-Costa legislation would require the Secretary of the VA to submit a plan to Congress within 120 days for recruiting a permanent director at each facility currently under temporary leadership.

“No business or organization can successfully operate under a revolving door of interim leaders – certainly not one tasked with caring for America’s heroes,” said Rep. Bost.  “At a time when restoring accountability and leadership at the VA is a primary focus, we can’t afford to continue operating in this haphazard way.  As a veteran myself, I’m pleased to do my part in providing the stability necessary to ensure our veterans receive the best care possible.”

“VA medical centers, including the Fresno Medical Center, are operating without a permanent director, and that could be a disadvantage for hospital staff and the veterans they serve,” said Rep. Costa. “This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance health care services provided to veterans by improving management at VA medical centers across the country.”

H.R. 3956, the VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act, would:

• Within 120 days of enactment, require the Secretary of the VA to develop and submit to Congress a plan to hire highly-qualified medical directors for each medical center that lacks a permanent director;

• Identify possible impediments to staffing facilities with permanent directors; and

• Assess the possibility of promoting and training qualified candidates from within the VA for promotion to Senior Executive Service positions.