Bill Overview
Title: Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to appoint a psychiatrist who completes a residency at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to a VHA health care position immediately after such residency, without regard to civil service or classification laws, if (1) the psychiatrist meets the qualifications established in regulations prescribed for the position, and (2) the position has been unfilled for at least 35 days.
Sponsors: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]
Target Audience
Population: Psychiatrists who have completed a residency at a VHA facility
Estimated Size: 2500
- The bill impacts psychiatrists who have completed their residency at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility, as it allows for expedited hiring into VHA positions.
- US veterans will be indirectly impacted as the bill is expected to reduce vacancies for psychiatrist positions at VHA facilities, potentially improving mental health services they receive.
- Currently employed VHA psychiatrists might see changes in their work environment due to new hires filling longstanding vacant positions.
- Other healthcare staff within the VHA may experience changes due to the influx of newly hired psychiatrists, potentially affecting team dynamics and workload distribution.
Reasoning
- The policy is designed to fill vacancies for psychiatrists at VHA facilities, where approximately 2500 potential candidates are affected. The budget allows for the hiring of about 50 psychiatrists in year one when considering typical psychiatrist salaries and associated hiring costs, this number can vary based on the exact salary, benefits, and administrative costs involved.
- Indirect beneficiaries include veterans receiving improved mental health care due to reduced vacancies. The impact in terms of scale will be 'high' in the direct sphere of hiring due to the immediate effect of the policy on new residents obtaining jobs quickly.
- The cost limits mean the policy will only moderately reduce overall vacancies, covering a fraction of total unmet need, but presumably increasing efficiency and service density in key areas
- Cost efficiency is crucial, focusing on areas with the most acute shortages and highest veteran populations.
- Not everyone linked to the VHA system will be impacted; those not involved in mental health services or specific hospital teams may feel little to no effect.
Simulated Interviews
Psychiatry Resident (Houston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will allow me to immediately transition to full-time work after residency without the wait, which is a relief financially.
- Having a job lined up quickly means stability and a chance to start reducing my student debts soon.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
VHA Psychiatrist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing vacancies means a better workload balance and potentially less burnout for those of us already in the system.
- It can improve our ability to provide care, which is something I've been advocating for.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Private Practice Psychiatrist (Boston, MA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a step in the right direction for my former colleagues still in the VHA, but it doesn't affect me directly in private practice.
- The VA's ability to hire quickly might lessen the recruitment pressure on private practice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
VA Psychiatry Residency Graduate (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives me an immediate job prospect, which reduces anxiety about delays in starting work and provides financial security.
- The quick job placement allows me to focus on my long-term career development rather than on immediate job hunting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Veteran (Denver, CO)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A quicker hiring process for psychiatrists means more availability and shorter wait times for people like me.
- I feel the improvement in mental health care access would increase my overall well-being.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran Affairs Administrator (New York, NY)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could streamline our hiring process, filling gaps faster than before which is much needed.
- However, we need to ensure we manage the budget effectively to maximize impact without overspending.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
VHA Social Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more psychiatrists available can help alleviate caseload pressures and improve cross-discipline collaboration.
- This policy could lead to improved mental health outcomes for veterans and better working conditions for the team.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Independent Psychiatric Consultant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might improve hiring efficiency, which aligns with best staffing practices I've advocated for.
- While my role won't change directly, the smoother hiring may enhance overall system performance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
VHA Nurse (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more psychiatrists means we can manage veterans' cases more effectively and provide enhanced patient care.
- This should lead to better mental health resources which will improve workforce morale and veteran outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
VHA Facility Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A faster pipeline for hiring psychiatrists is a positive development, overcoming chronic shortages.
- Such changes may eventually ease operational strains and improve service delivery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2050000 (Low: $1600000, High: $2550000)
Year 3: $2100000 (Low: $1650000, High: $2600000)
Year 5: $2200000 (Low: $1750000, High: $2700000)
Year 10: $2400000 (Low: $1950000, High: $2900000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- Policy reduces bureaucratic hurdles in VA psychiatrist hiring processes.
- Immediate staffing could improve mental health service delivery for veterans.
- The psychological burden on existing staff may decrease, enhancing job satisfaction.