Hill, Arkansas Republicans question VA about vacant clinical positions at home-state facilities

U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) joined his Arkansas Republican colleagues from both houses of Congress in urging the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to address its staffing shortages at Arkansas VA facilities.

“We have heard for years from veterans in Arkansas about the shortage of doctors and other clinical positions at Arkansas’ VA facilities,” the lawmakers wrote in an Aug. 1 letter sent to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

For instance, the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Little Rock, Ark., has six clinical positions designated as a severe shortage, while the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark., has 18 such designated positions, they wrote, citing a recent VA Office of the Inspector General report.

Rep. Hill and his colleagues requested that Secretary McDonough answer several questions regarding the current status of these vacant clinical positions, including the most recent number of vacancies; the average time it takes to fill clinical positions; and whether the VA facilities are using contracted clinical workers, among others, according to their letter.

“We are committed to delivering timely care for Arkansas’ veterans who have honorably served our country in the Armed Forces,” Rep. Hill and the lawmakers wrote. “Ensuring each veteran, as well as their families, receive the care and benefits they have earned is one of our top priorities.”

Among the lawmakers who joined Rep. Hill in signing the letter were U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR).