§7409 — Title 38 Veterans' Benefits | U.S. Code

Summary

The Secretary can hire outside schools, clinics, or other qualified people to bring scarce medical specialists into Department facilities. These specialists can be doctors, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, dental aides, technicians, and other medical support staff. Contracts may be made with medical and nursing schools, clinics, or any other group or person able to provide those services.

Title 38, §7409

Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Secretary may enter into contracts with institutions and persons described in subsection (b) to provide scarce medical specialist services at Department facilities. Such services may include the services of physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, nurses, physician assistants, expanded-function dental auxiliaries, technicians, and other medical support personnel.

(b)Institutions and persons with whom the Secretary may enter into contracts under subsection (a) are the following:

(1)Schools and colleges of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, and nursing.

(2)Clinics.

(3)Any other group or individual capable of furnishing such scarce medical specialist services.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4117 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.

Amendments

2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–170 inserted “chiropractors,” after “optometrists,” in second sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

of 2003 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 108–170 effective at end of 180-day period beginning on Dec. 6, 2003, see section 302(h) of Pub. L. 108–170, set out as a note under section 7316 of this title.

§7409 Contracts for Scarce Medical Specialist Services