Congressman Emmer Presses for Solution to Address Nursing Shortage in VA Facilities

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough urging the department to adopt a common-sense solution to combat staffing shortages affecting VA facilities nationwide.

"To address the shortage in nursing assistants in my district and across the United States, the VA should consider clarifying hiring practices for the nursing assistant vocation," Congressman Emmer wrote. "By leveraging the existing infrastructure in Minnesota, we can create a model that not only addresses the current staffing shortages but also serves as a potential blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges."

In the letter to Secretary McDonough, Congressman Tom Emmer voiced concern over critical nursing assistant shortages in VA clinics, citing recent estimates of shortages in 92% of VA facilities. He requested clarification on the hiring eligibility of individuals aged 16 to 18 for nursing assistant roles, highlighted the success of Minnesota's policy allowing young individuals to work in these positions, and proposed adopting a similar approach nationally to address staffing shortages in VA facilities.

Background
Congressman Emmer has a long history of working to support America's veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Earlier this year, Congressman Emmer's office hosted a Veterans Resource Fair in Elk River. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Emmer's legislative and casework teams on current legislation and resources to support our veterans, the Sherburne County Veterans Service Office, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and representatives from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 425.

In December, Congressman Emmer hosted a roundtable discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04), Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12) and Veteran Service Organizations. During the roundtable discussion, Emmer reaffirmed his commitment to supporting our nation's veterans and their families.

Congressman Emmer visited the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center last year. During the visit, Emmer met with hospital leaders and staff to discuss a previous bipartisan, bicameral letter he sent to Secretary McDonough urging him to improve veterans' ability to access emergency care.

You can read the full letter here.

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Permalink: https://emmer.house.gov/2024/4/congressman-emmer-presses-for-solution-to-address-nursing-shortage-in-va-facilities