VA embarks on year-end push to implement workforce elements of PACT Act

The Department of Veterans Affairs is embarking on a year-end push to implement all the workforce provisions of the recently passed PACT Act as the agency prepares for a historic expansion of VA benefits and care.The agency is looking to bring on more health care workers in anticipation of a major expansion of VA health care under the PACT Act. The VA begins to adjudicate those health care and benefits claims at the start of the New Year. Undersecretary for Health Shereef Elnahal told the Senate VA Committee on Nov. 17 that the agency expects to complete all PACT Act policy changes around hiring by the end of the calendar year.