Nomination for Appointment to the Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee

AAPA is seeking to nominate a qualified PA to the Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee (VRHAC). The appointment will be for an intial two-year term, with the possibility for extension for an additonal two years.

The committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Providing a letter to the Secretary and congress outlining recommendations to improve and enhance VA's delivery of services to rural Veterans.
Meeting with VA officials, Veteran Service Organizations, and other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing access to healthcare, outreach and education services offered to rural Veterans.
Making annual site visits and holding town hall meetings with Veterans to address their concerns.

Management and support services for the Committee are provided by the Office of Rural Health (ORH).

Authority: The Committee was established pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 3121 and operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to advise the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health on ways to improve and enhance access to VA health care services for Veterans residing in rural areas by reviewing current program activities and identifying barriers to accessing care and services.

Membership Criteria

The committee is composed of 12 members, in addition to ex-officio members. As required by statute, the members of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including, but not limited to:

Representatives of Veterans Service Organizations.
Persons who have distinguished themselves in the public, academic affiliation, community healthcare organizations, and private sector.
Ex-officio members of the Committee may include one representative from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Department of Defense, and the Department of Agriculture.

To the extent possible, the Secretary seeks members who have diverse professional and personal qualifications. We ask that nominations include information of this type so that VA can ensure a balanced Committee membership. Individuals appointed to the Committee by the Secretary shall be invited to serve a three-year term. The Secretary may reappoint a member for an additional term of service. In accordance with Federal Travel Regulation, Committee members will receive travel expenses and a per diem allowance for any travel made in association with duties as members of the Committee and within Federal travel guidelines. Self- nominations are acceptable. Non-Veterans are also eligible for nomination.

If your nomination is accepted, you should plan to attend two in-person meetings in April and October. One will be held in Washington, D.C. and another at a location to be determined. Travel expenses will be covered by the VA.

For more information, see the Federal Register. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

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Complete and attach this form: https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/docs/VRHAC-Application-Form_7-31-18.pdf

Attach a PDF of your CV: *

Attach a PDF of your statement of interest, which should summarize your experiences and qualifications relative to the membership considerations described above. The statement should also note that you are a US citizen and willing to serve as a member of the committee.