Activities

• Leads VHA in defining corporate code of ethics, vision, principles, policies, goals, expectations, and the lines of authority through which these will be actualized.
• Communicates VHA’s vision, principles, policies, goals, expectations, and outcomes to the Office of the Secretary, other VA departmental officials, Members of Congress, Veterans, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), other Federal agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Establishes committees, advisory groups, and review bodies as necessary to provide information and advice to the USH.
• Oversees formulation and execution strategies of VHA policies and budgets, and serves as chair of various boards, committees, and working groups.
• Establishes standards, policies, and positions regarding national workforce issues.
• Develops VHA policies that provide equal treatment of Veterans through the most cost-effective means. Fosters innovation, creativity, and informed risk-taking.
• Establishes policies that monitor the quality of health care with a goal of being a leader in the field of health care delivery.
• Promulgates and communicates policies that articulate VHA’s role in national health care reform initiatives.
• Establishes and/or approves standards for VHA research programs, capital asset planning and management, and information management.
• Recruits, trains, and employs personnel for occupations that are specific to the needs of the Veteran population.
• Establishes affiliation agreements with academic institutions across the country to support the educational needs of health care professionals.
• Establishes and/or approves standards for VHA’s research program in biomedical research, mental health research, prosthetics, and other rehabilitative research and health care services research
• Establishes research oversight policies to monitor, review, and investigate matters of medical research compliance and assurance of safety.
• Provides contingency support for DoD and HHS during times of war or national emergency.
• Establishes policies and designates resources related to medical services, crisis intervention, and emergency preparedness.
• Establishes policies that support the National Disaster Medical System and promotes sharing resources with other Federal agencies and community partners.