Recent executive orders have sparked discussions regarding staffing adjustments within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), particularly regarding administrative and non-essential roles. These changes have led to concerns about potential disruptions in care for veterans and stability for VA healthcare professionals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA significantly expanded its workforce, including administrative and support staff, to manage the crisis effectively. Now, as the VA reassesses its workforce, the focus is shifting to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently while maintaining the highest standard of care for veterans.
Essential Healthcare Workers Remain a Priority
It is important to clarify that essential frontline healthcare providers – physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals – are prioritized and protected as the VA adjusts its staffing structure. While some non-essential and administrative positions may be reduced or restructured, the goal remains the same: to provide uninterrupted, high-quality care to our veterans.
The VA has exempted over 300,000 healthcare positions from hiring freezes, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining clinical care services.
However, the reduction of administrative roles may impact procurement, credentialing, RFP reviews, and billing processes. While it is too early to determine the full effect, it is something that Millbrook is actively monitoring as the situation evolves.
The Role of Contractors in Supporting VA Healthcare
Should the VA need to adjust its essential workforce, it is important to recognize that those roles must still be filled – and that is where staffing agencies like Millbrook play a critical role. Contracted healthcare professionals provide a cost-effective and flexible solution, ensuring that there are no gaps in patient care while allowing the VA to remain budget-conscious.
One of the key advantages of utilizing contractors is that staffing agencies absorb the cost of benefits, making it financially beneficial for the VA. Unlike permanent hires, contract providers offer scalability, allowing the VA to quickly adjust staffing levels based on patient demand without long-term financial commitments.
Millbrook’s Commitment to Stability for VA Healthcare Professionals
At Millbrook Support Services, we are closely monitoring the evolving landscape of VA staffing. While there are changes occurring on the administrative side, we firmly believe that veterans’ healthcare should not be impacted, and the providers we work with – doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals – should feel stable in their roles.
We remain committed to:
✔ Providing highly qualified providers to support VA facilities nationwide.
✔ Ensuring seamless transitions in staffing to prevent disruptions in care.
✔ Advocating for the best interests of both veterans and healthcare professionals as policies shift.
Looking Ahead
While we do not have a crystal ball, we anticipate that VA healthcare delivery will continue to evolve in response to these staffing adjustments. As this unfolds, our priority remains clear: ensuring that veterans receive the care they need and that healthcare professionals feel secure and supported.
Millbrook will continue to monitor the situation in real-time and provide updates as we learn more about how these changes impact the VA workforce, procurement processes, and patient care delivery.
In the meantime, our mission remains the same – to stand alongside our nation’s veterans and the healthcare professionals who serve them.
If you are a provider seeking VA contract opportunities or have concerns about these changes, Millbrook is here to help. Contact us today.
About the Author
James Paterek, a dynamic human capital & technology industry leader, is the Chief Executive Officer of Millbrook Support Services, a nationwide healthcare staffing & workforce solutions company with offices in Millbrook, NY, Manhasset, NY, and Gilbert, AZ. Millbrook, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), supplies Physicians, Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers and Allied Healthcare staffing services to government and commercial clients across North America. Moreover, Millbrook is a GSA-Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract holder of the 621 I for Professional & Allied Healthcare Staffing Services with a geographical coverage area encompassing all 50 States including Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
