Key Issues and Actions from Recent Board Meetings
May–September 2026
The National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) continues to advocate for policies that support VA medical professionals and strengthen the healthcare system serving our nation's veterans.
During recent board meetings, NAVAPD leadership focused on several important issues, including physician and dentist compensation, congressional engagement, electronic health record implementation, and growing demands on VA healthcare resources.
Here are some of the key issues and actions underway.
Advocating for VA Physicians and Dentists on Capitol Hill
NAVAPD leadership continues to engage with congressional offices to raise awareness of issues affecting VA healthcare professionals and the veterans they serve.
Recent efforts include meetings with Senator Jerry Moran's office and other congressional staff to discuss VA healthcare priorities.
The board is also developing an informational resource for congressional leaders addressing several major concerns, including:
Physician and dentist compensation
Electronic health record implementation
Community care spending and its impact on VA resources
Once reviewed and approved, this resource could help NAVAPD leadership and members communicate these concerns more effectively with policymakers.
Addressing Physician Compensation and Recruitment Challenges
Competitive compensation remains an important concern for VA physicians and dentists, particularly as the VA competes with the private sector to recruit and retain specialists.
Recent board discussions highlighted challenges in anesthesiology recruitment and retention, including reports of positions lost because of compensation concerns.
NAVAPD is also examining whether existing hiring incentives and flexibilities are being fully utilized to help VA facilities recruit qualified specialists.
These discussions reinforce the importance of continued advocacy for competitive pay and effective recruitment policies.
Monitoring Electronic Health Record Implementation
NAVAPD continues to follow the rollout of the VA's electronic health record system and concerns about its impact on patient safety and clinical operations.
Board members have raised patient safety concerns with congressional staff and discussed reported adverse events associated with implementation at VA facilities.
As the system expands to additional locations, NAVAPD remains focused on the importance of protecting patient safety and ensuring clinicians have the tools they need to deliver effective care.
Raising Concerns About Expanding VA Dental Care
The board recently reviewed a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report examining expanded eligibility for VA dental services.
The potential expansion could make approximately 1.1 million additional veterans eligible for dental care, creating significant new demands on an already strained system.
Board discussions emphasized the importance of ensuring that expanded eligibility is accompanied by adequate staffing, clinical space, and funding.
NAVAPD recognizes the importance of expanding access to care while ensuring VA dental professionals have the resources necessary to meet growing patient needs.
Examining the Impact of Community Care Spending
NAVAPD leadership also discussed concerns about the growing reliance on community care and its potential impact on funding for VA medical centers.
The board is examining how these spending decisions may affect VA facilities, healthcare professionals, and the long-term sustainability of veteran healthcare services.
These concerns will help inform NAVAPD's continued engagement with congressional policymakers.
Continuing to Advocate for Our Members
NAVAPD remains committed to ensuring that the perspectives of VA physicians and dentists are represented in discussions affecting their profession and the healthcare they provide.
From congressional outreach to reviewing healthcare policies and workforce challenges, our focus remains on strengthening the VA healthcare system and supporting those who care for our nation's veterans.
Your voice matters. We encourage members to stay engaged and share issues affecting their ability to provide high-quality veteran care.
