Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Nikki Budzinski and 1 co-sponsor

HR 3767 ensures timely employment for healthcare professionals in the VA within 90 days of training completion and bans smoking in all VA facilities, improving veteran care.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Purpose and Intent

The Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act of 2025 (HR 3767) aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill establishes a clear timeline for the employment of participants in the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) and introduces a prohibition on smoking in VA facilities.

Key Provisions

1. Employment Timeline for HPSP Participants

Employment Contract Requirement: The bill mandates that participants in the HPSP receive a full-time employment contract at a VA facility within 90 days of completing their scholarship program or obtaining necessary licensure and certification.

Competitive Salary and Benefits: Contracts must include a salary and benefits package that aligns with VA employment standards.

2. Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit reports to Congress on the implementation of the employment timeline every 180 days until September 30, 2027.

3. Smoking Prohibition

The bill prohibits smoking in all facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which includes medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. This prohibition extends to all individuals on the premises, including veterans, patients, employees, and visitors.

The definition of smoking includes traditional tobacco products as well as electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes, vape pens, etc.).

Background and Need for Legislation

The VA has faced ongoing challenges in recruiting qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas and high-demand specialties. This shortage has raised concerns about the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for veterans. The HPSP was created to address these workforce shortages, and this bill seeks to improve its effectiveness by ensuring timely employment for scholarship recipients.

Legislative Status

Introduced: June 5, 2025

House Actions: The bill was passed in the House on September 15, 2025, after being reported favorably by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Senate Actions: As of September 16, 2025, HR 3767 has been received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration.

Impact

The enactment of HR 3767 is expected to:
- Improve the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in the VA system.
- Enhance the quality of care provided to veterans by ensuring timely employment of qualified professionals.
- Promote a healthier environment in VA facilities by eliminating smoking.

This legislation represents a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of veterans and improving the overall functioning of the VA healthcare system.

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