((a))
((1))
((A)) The annual rates or ranges of rates of basic pay for positions provided in section 7306 and 7401(4) of this title shall be prescribed from time to time by Executive order as authorized by chapter 53 of title 5 or as otherwise authorized by law.
((B)) shall apply to a position under section 7306 or 7401(4) of this title as if such position were included in the definition of “position” in .
((2))
((A)) The pay of physicians, podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists serving in positions to which an Executive order applies under paragraph (1) shall be determined under subchapter III of this chapter instead of such Executive order.
((B)) The basic pay of registered nurses and physician assistants serving in positions to which an Executive order applies under paragraph (1) may be determined under subchapter IV of this chapter instead of such Executive order. Such positions shall not otherwise be covered by such subchapter, except with respect to bonuses under section 7452 or 7458 or special pay under subsection (g) of such section 7452.
((3))
((A)) The rate of basic pay for a position to which an Executive order applies under paragraph (1) and is not described by paragraph (2) shall be set in accordance with as if such position were a Senior Executive Service position (as such term is defined in ).
((B)) A rate of basic pay for a position may not be set under subparagraph (A) in excess of—
((i)) in the case the position is not described in clause (ii), the rate of basic pay payable for level III of the Executive Schedule; or
((ii)) in the case that the position is covered by a performance appraisal system that meets the certification criteria established by regulation under , the rate of basic pay payable for level II of the Executive Schedule.
((C)) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (d) of , the Secretary may make any certification under that subsection instead of the Office of Personnel Management and without concurrence of the Office of Management and Budget.
((b)) The grades for positions provided for in paragraph (1) of shall be as follows. The annual ranges of rates of basic pay for those grades shall be prescribed from time to time by Executive order as authorized by chapter 53 of title 5 or as otherwise authorized by law:
((c))
((1)) Notwithstanding the provisions of , a person appointed under section 7306 or 7401(4) of this title or in a covered executive position under shall be deemed to be a career appointee for the purposes of .
((2)) In this subsection, the term “covered executive position” means a position that the Secretary has determined is of equivalent rank to a Senior Executive Service position (as such term is defined in ) and is subject to an agency performance management system.
((d)) Except as provided under subsection (e), subchapter III, and , and except for individuals appointed under sections 7401(4) and 7306 of this title, pay for positions for which basic pay is paid under this section may not be paid at a rate in excess of the rate of basic pay authorized by for positions in Level V of the Executive Schedule.
((e)) The position of Chief Nursing Officer, Office of Nursing Services, shall be exempt from the provisions of and shall be paid basic pay at a rate determined by the Secretary, not to exceed the maximum rates established under subchapter IV of this chapter.
