This bill expands VA continuing professional education reimbursement beyond board-certified physicians and dentists to include registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. It increases reimbursement amounts for physicians and dentists and removes board certification requirements.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill expands VA continuing professional education reimbursement beyond board-certified physicians and dentists to include registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. It increases reimbursement amounts for physicians and dentists and removes board certification requirements.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act or the VA CPE Modernization Act</strong></p> <p>This bill modifies the program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses certain full-time health care professionals for continuing professional education expenses.</p> <p>Under current law, only board-certified physicians and dentists are eligible for such reimbursement. The bill expands the program to require reimbursement for various specified full-time health care professionals (e.g., registered nurses) and increases the amount available for a physician or dentist. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that an individual be board-certified to receive reimbursement.</p> <p>The VA may adjust the amount of the reimbursement, so long as the adjustment does not result in a reimbursement of less than $2,000 per year for each specified position.<br/> </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Expands CPE reimbursement to more VA health professionals
Includes registered nurses and other specified positions
Increases amounts for physicians and dentists
Removes board certification requirement
Sets minimum 2000 per year reimbursement floor
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
VA healthcare workers beyond physicians would receive support for continuing education. This could improve staff retention and ensure VA providers maintain current skills and certifications.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Related Subjects
Adult education and literacy
Department of Veterans Affairs
Health personnel
Medical education
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
657, 119th Congress (2025). "VA CPE Modernization Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-657
