Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to enhance patient safety within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by mandating that sterile processing technicians obtain professional certification . It amends title 38, United States Code, to require that individuals appointed to non-entry-level sterile processing technician positions are certified by an accredited institution within two years of their appointment. For current VHA employees who are not yet certified, the bill provides a two-year grace period from the date of enactment to obtain the necessary certification. To facilitate this, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is mandated to award scholarships through the existing employee incentive scholarship program to cover the costs of certification training. Employees receiving these scholarships will then have a two-year period of obligated service to the VHA after achieving their certification.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Armed Forces and National Security
Veteran Infection Prevention Act
USA119th CongressHR-8052| House
| Updated: 4/15/2026
This legislation aims to enhance patient safety within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by mandating that sterile processing technicians obtain professional certification . It amends title 38, United States Code, to require that individuals appointed to non-entry-level sterile processing technician positions are certified by an accredited institution within two years of their appointment. For current VHA employees who are not yet certified, the bill provides a two-year grace period from the date of enactment to obtain the necessary certification. To facilitate this, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is mandated to award scholarships through the existing employee incentive scholarship program to cover the costs of certification training. Employees receiving these scholarships will then have a two-year period of obligated service to the VHA after achieving their certification.