To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to complete a study and report on retention practices with respect to non-clinical personnel at health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 19, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 10840 mandates a GAO study to identify factors influencing retention of non-clinical staff at VA health care facilities and recommend best practices to improve staffing stability.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Comptroller General of the United States (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study and submit a report to Congress on retention practices for non-clinical personnel at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. The study is mandated to compare facilities with varying retention outcomes, identify successful practices, and include an analysis of an anonymous survey of current and transitioning non-clinical staff. The report is due within one year of the bill's enactment.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that understanding and improving retention of non-clinical personnel is crucial for the efficient operation of VA health care facilities and for ensuring veterans receive timely and high-quality care. They contend that high turnover among administrative, support, and technical staff can disrupt services, increase training costs, and negatively impact morale, making a targeted study essential for developing effective solutions.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goal is laudable, directing the GAO to conduct another study could be seen as a slow or indirect approach to addressing immediate staffing challenges. They might contend that the VA already possesses sufficient internal data or expertise to tackle retention issues, or that legislative action should focus on direct policy changes rather than commissioning further research, potentially delaying tangible improvements.
The bill itself is extremely short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its directive. The time given for analysis is appropriate for its simple nature.
Section 1(a) and (b)
Mandate for Comptroller General Study and Report on VA Non-Clinical Personnel Retention
This section requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to undertake a study focusing on why non-clinical staff (e.g., administrative, IT, maintenance, food service) stay or leave their jobs at VA health care facilities. The study must compare facilities with good and poor retention, looking at factors like location, pay, benefits, workload, and career opportunities. It also requires the GAO to survey current and departing non-clinical staff anonymously to gather their perspectives. The findings, including identified best practices, must be reported to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees within one year.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is a necessary first step to address systemic issues in VA non-clinical staff retention. By leveraging the GAO's independent analytical capabilities, Congress can obtain an unbiased assessment of the root causes of turnover and identify evidence-based strategies to improve stability, which is vital for the overall functioning of VA health care services.
Critics contend
Some might contend that while the study is well-intentioned, it could be perceived as a bureaucratic delay. They might argue that the VA already has internal mechanisms or existing data to understand these issues, and that legislative efforts should focus on direct solutions rather than commissioning another report, potentially postponing tangible improvements for staff and veterans.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff involves the time and resources allocated to conducting a study versus implementing immediate, albeit potentially less informed, policy changes. While a study provides a robust evidence base, it defers action. There's also a tension between the desire for comprehensive data and the potential for survey fatigue among VA employees.