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S3771119th CongressWALLET

Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

Introduced

Summary

Creates formal VA job categories and pay grades for therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists. This bill would add both roles into Title 38, require post‑graduate clinical training and Secretary‑approved board certification, create named pay grades, and direct a report on pay and cost effects.

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  • Therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists: Would get explicit appointment pathways, clear eligibility rules requiring post‑graduate clinical training and board certification, and dedicated VA pay grades.
  • VA human resources and pay system: Would add two new grades into chapter 74, update pay sections and chapter headings, and change how pay for these specialists is described in law.
  • Contract providers who treat veterans under VA agreements: The Secretary must report on how pay changes affect those who provide care under agreement and any resulting cost changes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Stricter VA medical physicist qualifications

If enacted, this bill would require new VA therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicist hires to finish a post-graduate clinical training program the Secretary accepts. You would also need board certification in the relevant specialty from a certifying body the Secretary approves. These rules would apply when VA appoints therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists. Effective upon enactment.

VA pay and grades for physicists

If enacted, this bill would add therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicist job titles into VA pay, grade, and appointment rules in title 38. That would let the VA classify and pay those positions under the statutory VA framework. The bill would not set specific pay amounts or add funding. Effective upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]

    AR • R

    Sponsored 2/4/2026

  • Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 4/13/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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