If you’re a veteran, you’ve probably heard of the RAISE Act, especially when it comes to your healthcare needs. But you’re most likely wondering what the RAISE Act of 2022 actually is, and how it affects the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA Nurse and PA Retention and Income Security Enhancement Act, or the RAISE Act, became law when it was signed by President Joseph Biden on March 15, 2022. It was championed by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Veterans Affairs PA Association. It’s part of H.R. 2471, an omnibus appropriations bill that was passed by Congress to financially support the federal government for the 2022 fiscal year.
How the RAISE Act of 2022 affects veterans
Essentially, the RAISE Act increases access to and quality of care to veterans by adjusting salary caps for advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, and physician assistants and making the VA a competitive employer for these critical providers. The act raised the pay caps for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants who are employed by the VA. In fiscal year 2021, these jobs were at Level V on the Executive Schedule and had a maximum yearly pay of $161,700. This cap was increased by the Act and moved physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to Level I, with a maximum pay rate of $226,300, and registered nurses were moved to Level II, with a cap of $203,700.
The VA is the largest employer of physician assistants in the country with more than 2,000 working in the department. While physician assistants always give their all to veterans, an increase in pay from the RAISE Act of 2022 means an increase in quality. It also means that the timeliness of care will be improved. When competitive pay is on the table, more PAs will be motivated to work for the department and provide veterans with the care they deserve.
Valor Healthcare works with great physicians
Valor Healthcare is a veteran-founded healthcare organization. We aim to provide whole healthcare services to veterans and other patriots. We are the largest contracted provider of outpatient healthcare services for veterans and take pride in delivering world-class services. We were one of the first community-based outpatient clinics to be accredited for ambulatory care by the Joint Commission and continue to focus on quality across all our lines of business.
Valor Healthcare is a team made up of veterans and leading clinicians. We are passionate about making resources available to those who have served our country. Valor was first established in 2004, when an Army veteran and a Navy veteran joined together to create something they both believed in — good-quality outpatient care for veterans.
Interested in the types of services a veteran-focused health consultant company can provide? We specialize in each of the following:
- Outpatient clinic operations.
- Occupational health.
- Behavioral health.
- Population health.
- Value-added services.
Would you benefit from any of the services listed above? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. Valor Healthcare partners with public and private medical clinics to bring high-quality healthcare to American veterans. Partner with us to give your patients access to data-driven, 21st-century care.
