Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act (S. 894)

Summary

Creates a program to help military members with healthcare skills get jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs when they leave the service.

What problem does this solve?

Veterans with medical skills often face challenges finding jobs after service, while the Department of Veterans Affairs needs qualified healthcare workers. This law creates a direct path for these veterans to be referred to VA recruiters for potential employment, helping fill critical roles.

What does this law do?

Establishes a veteran healthcare referral program

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to create a program to identify military members in healthcare roles and refer them for VA jobs as they separate.

Connects interested veterans with VA recruiters

If a separating service member with a healthcare job is interested, the VA must refer them to a recruiter for open positions in their preferred specialty and location.

Sets a timeline for job referrals

Specifies that referrals to VA recruiters can begin no earlier than one year before the service member's separation date.

Clarifies no guarantee of employment

States that being identified and referred through this program does not guarantee the service member will be hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Requires progress reports to Congress

Mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit reports to Congress on the program's progress one and two years after the law is enacted.

Who does this affect?

Members of the Armed Forces with healthcare jobs
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans seeking healthcare employment

What is the real world impact?

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Creates a hiring pipeline for the VA

Establishes a formal process for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to work together, creating a steady stream of qualified healthcare professionals to fill vacancies at the VA.

When does this start?

This law became effective on November 30, 2021, and sets deadlines for future reports.

First report to Congress

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit the first report on the program to Congress no later than one year after the law's enactment (by November 30, 2022).

Second report to Congress

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit a second report on the program to Congress no later than two years after the law's enactment (by November 30, 2023).