Expansion of reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses

(a) In general Section 7411 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 7411. Reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses (a) Required reimbursement The Secretary shall reimburse any full-time physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse (including any advanced practice registered nurse), or physician assistant appointed under section 7401(1) of this title not more than $1,000 per year for each such individual for expenses incurred for continuing professional education directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position of the employee or related to the duties and responsibilities of the position or positions of the employees overseen by the employee. (b) Authorized reimbursement The Secretary may reimburse any full-time licensed practical or vocational nurse (including any nurse practitioner), medical technologist, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, diagnostic radiologic technologist, or social worker appointed under section 7401(3) of this title, not more than $1,000 per year for each such individual for expenses incurred for continuing professional education directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position of the employee or related to the duties and responsibilities of the position or positions of the employees overseen by the employee. (c) Maximum number of individuals reimbursed The total number of individuals who may be reimbursed under this section may not exceed 50,000 per year. (d) Priority reimbursements In providing reimbursement under subsection (a), the Secretary shall prioritize reimbursement for individuals providing direct patient care or individuals who are decision-makers for direct patient care. (e) Report required (1) In general Not less frequently than annually after the end of the first fiscal year following the date of the enactment of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives information on utilization of reimbursement under this section, including— (A) locations at which reimbursement is claimed; (B) position title and specialty of the individual claiming reimbursement; (C) average amount claimed per position and specialty; and (D) percent utilization by each position and specialty overall. (2) Authority to include in existing report The information required under paragraph (1) may be submitted independently or included in another annual report to Congress.. (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7411 and inserting the following new item: 7411. Reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses..