S-2745 : Still Just a Bill

The Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2023, also known as S. 2745, addresses conflicts of interest within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and limits the temporary reassignment of VA medical center directors.

• Conflicts of Interest: The bill mandates that individuals involved in peer reviews, administrative investigations, and fact-finding related to healthcare quality at VA facilities must withdraw if they have direct involvement in the care under review or cannot conduct an impartial assessment. It also establishes procedures for neutral assessment of peer reviews involving committee members and restricts individuals with confidential information from serving on investigation boards or disclosing such information. Members of administrative investigation boards or factfinders are prohibited from having personal interests, direct involvement, or supervisory relationships with the subject of the investigation.
• Limitation on Detail of Directors: The legislation requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress within 90 days of temporarily reassigning a medical center director to a different position within the Department. The notification must include the director's location, position title, estimated absence from their duties, and other relevant information. After 120 days, an acting director must be appointed for the medical center. The Secretary must provide Congress with updates on the reassignment every 30 days. The director must return to their original position or be permanently reassigned within 180 days, unless a waiver is granted for up to 540 days, with notification to Congress.