Continued Changes in VA Leadership

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that two top officials will be stepping down this week as VA continues to investigate misconduct at medical facilities that resulted in harm to Veterans’ care.  Acting Under Secretary for Health Robert Jesse, M.D., Ph.D., and VA General Counsel Will Gunn will both be stepping down from their senior positions at VA.  These changes follow the resignation of former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and several reports of inadequate access to quality care at VA medical facilities.   

Under Secretary Jesse will be replaced by Carolyn Clancy, M.D., who is currently the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Quality, Safety and Value, effective July 2.  ASA leadership and staff have held meetings with both Under Secretary Jesse and Assistant Deputy Under Secretary Clancy in regards to concerns with the proposed VHA Nursing Handbook, which undermines physician-led patient care.  ASA looks forward to continuing discussions with VA on the Handbook and the need to ensure the best possible care for all Veterans.