This bill makes sure the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't leave VA medical centers without clear leadership for too long. When a VA medical center director gets temporarily assigned to a different job, the VA now has to follow specific rules to keep things running smoothly.

Here's what has to happen: Within 90 days, the VA must tell Congress where the director is being sent and why. At the same time, the VA must appoint someone to act as the temporary director within 120 days. The VA also has to keep Congress updated on what's happening with the director's temporary assignment.

Most importantly, within 180 days the VA has to make a final decision—either bring the director back to their original job or officially move them somewhere else and start hiring a permanent replacement. If the VA needs more time for some reason, they can ask Congress for an extension, but they have to explain why. This prevents VA medical centers from being stuck in limbo with no permanent leadership, which could affect the quality of care veterans receive.

VACANT Act

Boozman, John

VA medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline Act or the VACANT Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to comply with certain notification and staffing requirements when a VA medical center director is on detail. Not later than 90 days after detailing a director of a VA medical center to a different position within the VA, the VA must notify Congress with specified information about the detail (e.g., the location of the detail). Additionally, the VA must appoint an individual as acting director not later than 120 days after detailing a director to a different position. The VA must regularly update Congress regarding the status of the detail. Generally, not later than 180 days after detailing a director to a different position, the VA must return the individual to the position as director or reassign the individual from the position and begin the process of hiring a new director. This requirement may be waived for a limited amount of time, but the VA must submit to Congress a justification for the waiver.