Summary

Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire graduates of the VA Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) into full-time clinical employment at a Department facility with the highest need within 90 days after they complete their training or obtain required licensure/credentials. Establishes a comprehensive ban on smoking anywhere on the premises of any Veterans Health Administration facility, including combustible tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems, and requires recurring reports to congressional Veterans’ Affairs committees on implementation through September 30, 2027.

• VA must offer full-time clinical employment to HPSP graduates within 90 days after completing training or getting required licensure.
• Employment must be at a VA facility with the highest need and include competitive salary and benefits consistent with VA standards.
• The Secretary must report to House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees every 180 days on implementation, starting within 180 days of enactment and ending Sept 30, 2027.
• Creates an explicit, comprehensive ban on smoking anywhere on Veterans Health Administration premises.
• The smoking definition includes combustible tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes, e-cigarettes).
• Applies to all persons on VHA premises: veterans, patients, staff, contractors, visitors, and others.
• No specific funding or appropriations are provided; implementation, hiring, and enforcement will use existing VA authorities and budgets unless separately funded.
• Operational changes likely: designation of high-need sites, hiring and placement logistics, signage/enforcement of smoke-free campuses, and possible need for cessation support services.