The Department of Veterans Affairs has unveiled additional exemptions to the moratorium on federal hiring efforts following a previous move to lift restrictions for some professional fields in January.
VA said Wednesday its latest guideline exempts medical and nonmedical positions, the Veterans Health Administration’s medical facilities and the Veterans Benefits Administration’s regional and field offices from the hiring freeze.
“VA is committed to serving veterans, but at the same time improving efficiency and reducing bureaucracy,” said Secretary David Shulkin.
The department noted it will implement a comprehensive review of candidates before hiring in order to streamline its corporate and administrative structure.
Its previous guideline removed limits against hiring contracting, construction and project management professionals amid construction projects and lease agreements at more than 20 medical and health centers, as well as healthcare professionals at outpatient clinics in efforts to ensure continuous delivery of health services to veterans.
