DoD and VA Mandated to Share Medical Credentials: New Joint System Due by 2028

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to finally get on the same page regarding their medical staff. Specifically, it mandates that the two agencies create a single, unified system for credentialing and privileging medical providers. Think of credentialing as verifying a doctor’s degree and license, and privileging as granting them permission to perform specific procedures (like surgery or prescribing medication) within a hospital system. The goal is to ditch the current patchwork of systems and replace it with one shared platform, aiming for full operation by January 1, 2028.

The Administrative Upgrade: Why This Matters

Right now, if a doctor moves from treating active-duty soldiers in a DoD facility to treating veterans in a VA hospital, they often have to go through the entire lengthy credentialing process all over again. It’s a massive administrative headache that slows down hiring and limits how easily providers can shift between the two federal health systems. This bill cuts through that bureaucracy. It requires the Secretaries of Defense and VA to first report to Congress within 120 days on the scope, data, and gaps in their current systems. Then, by January 1, 2027, they must select one of the existing department systems to become the single, uniform standard for both agencies.

What This Means for Real People

For the busy doctor, nurse, or therapist working for the federal government, this is huge. Instead of filling out duplicate paperwork and waiting months for approval when transferring between a military base clinic and a VA center, their credentials should simply port over. This improved mobility could make it easier for both agencies to fill staff shortages, especially in high-demand specialties or remote locations. For veterans and active-duty families, this means potentially faster access to care, as providers can be onboarded and practicing sooner.

The Fine Print: Setting the Deadlines

The bill is very specific about its timeline. Beyond the 2027 selection deadline, the Secretaries must jointly certify to Congress that the new unified system is fully implemented and operational by January 1, 2028. This joint system must be capable of importing and sharing all necessary provider information. The only slight wrinkle in the plan involves the Domestic Policy Council—the Secretaries are required to consult with this White House policy body when writing their initial report and when selecting the final system. While the core goal is administrative efficiency, this consultation adds a layer of policy oversight to the technical selection process, which is something to watch as implementation moves forward.