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HR 8052

Veteran Infection Prevention Act

119th Congress

Requires sterile processing technicians at the VHA to hold accredited certification within two years of appointment, with scholarships and a two-year post-certification service req

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 8052

Summary of HR 8052 — Veteran Infection Prevention Act

Date introduced: March 24, 2026
Sponsor: Mrs. Kiggans (VA)
Committee: Veterans’ Affairs

Purpose

The Veteran Infection Prevention Act aims to strengthen infection prevention and sterilization practices within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by requiring sterile processing technicians to hold an accredited professional certification. The bill updates title 38, United States Code, to set certification requirements and provides incentives for current VHA staff to obtain certification.

Key Provisions

  1. Professional Certification Requirement for Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs)

    • Section 7402(b) of title 38 is amended to add a new paragraph (14):
      • To be eligible for appointment as a sterile processing technician (except for entry-level positions as determined by the Secretary), an individual must be certified as a sterile processing technician by an accredited institution that provides SPT training.
      • Certification must be obtained within two years after appointment.

  2. Application to Current VHA Employees (Phase-In)

    • The certification requirement applies to “covered employees” two years after enactment.
    • An Employee Incentive Scholarship Program is created to support current employees in obtaining certification:
      • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must award a scholarship under subchapter VI of chapter 76 (38 U.S.C. § 7672 et seq.) for SPT certification.
      • The period of obligated service for a scholar recipient is two years beginning when the employee receives certification.
      • This period of service is explicitly set (overrides the standard obligate service period in 38 U.S.C. § 7672(e)) to ensure the employee serves for two years.

  3. Definition of “Covered Employee”

    • A “covered employee” refers to:
      • A person currently occupying a sterile processing technician position in the VHA as of the enactment date, and
      • Who is not certified by an accredited SPT training institution on the enactment date.

Who Is Affected

  • New Hires: Future sterile processing technicians hired by the VHA must obtain an accredited SPT certification within two years of appointment to be eligible for the position (unless designated as entry-level by the Secretary).
  • Current VHA SPT Employees (Phase-In): Current SPT staff who are not yet certified become subject to the new requirement two years after enactment. They may receive an Education/Scholarship incentive to pursue certification, with a two-year post-certification service obligation.
  • VHA Certification Providers: Accredited institutions that offer sterile processing technician training will be the credentials gatekeepers for eligibility under the statute.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The bill creates a two-year window post-appointment for new hires to obtain certification.
  • For current employees, the certification requirement takes effect two years after enactment.
  • An incentive scholarship program is established to fund certification, with a two-year obligated service period after certification.
  • The bill does not specify a funding level beyond directing the VA to administer the scholarship program under existing subchapter authorities.

Potential Impacts

  • Patient Safety & Infection Control: By ensuring SPTs are certified, the bill seeks to improve sterilization practices and reduce infection risks within VHA facilities.
  • Workforce Development: Encourages ongoing professional development for VHA staff, supported by scholarships and a defined credentialing pathway.
  • Administrative Requirements: VHA would implement the certification requirement, manage the two-year timelines, and administer the scholarship program.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated provisions and affected groups. If you’d like, I can compare HR 8052 to current law in Title 38 or provide a proposed implementation checklist for the VA.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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