Benefits
Shinseki orders care for vets left off Phoenix waiting list
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said he has ordered the Phoenix VA Health Care System to immediately triage for care 1,700 veterans who VA's Office of Inspector General found were waiting for a primary care appointment but were not on the facility's waiting list.
Nextgov
VA’s Convoluted Patient Scheduling Starts with a ‘Helpline’ Call
Data collected on one computer was printed out for re-entry into another system, often months later.
Nextgov
Sexual Harassment and Bullying at VA Phoenix Medical Facilities?
IG investigating complaints.
Pay & Benefits
A Special Sick Leave Bank for Disabled Vets?
Proposal would help new feds who are disabled veterans attend mandatory medical appointments without burning up sick leave.
Management
Senator Wants to Make It Easier to Sue VA Employees, Take Their Money
Republican’s proposal also would remove red tape from firing workers involved in latest scandal.
Management
The Burning Leadership Question: Are You a Flame or an Ember?
It may not be flashy, but moral character trumps charisma.
Management
Census Faces Pressure from Both Chambers of Congress and Both Political Parties
House may vote this week to make mandatory community survey voluntary.
Nextgov
Federal IT Reform Could Mean Bonuses for Procurement Staff
House-approved FITARA includes "monetary incentives" that aren’t in the Senate bill.
Management
Inspector General Confirms Vets Waited 115 Days for Care in Phoenix
Report confirms long waiting times for 1,700 veterans there and says the problem is nationwide.
Nextgov
Senate Defense Bill Unearths NSA ‘Sharkseer’ Program
Lawmakers want to drop $30 million on an obscure National Security Agency cybersecurity program.
Management
Avoid These Three Traps and Become a More Decisive Leader
Coming up short on ingenuity, the other key measure of leadership decision making, can also be a blind spot for many people.
Management
Pentagon Will Review Its Health Care System to Avoid VA’s Mistakes
Defense secretary orders assessment to determine any weaknesses.
Nextgov
Snowden: I Was Trained as a Spy
NSA leaker tells NBC he is 'a technical expert' and that he 'worked undercover overseas.'
Nextgov
Cyberspying Indictments Will Not Stop China From Hacking U.S. Businesses, Insiders Say
The legal action may just encourage China to try harder to avoid detection, National Journal finds.
Management
Army Removes the Commander of Fort Bragg's Hospital Following Patient Deaths
Two patients in their 20s died unexpectedly after being treated at the facility.
Management
VA Resets Patient Waiting List Policies
Department will return to 30-day waiting lists before outsourcing appointments to non-VA facilities.
Management
What Happens When the Senior Scientists and Engineers Retire?
Agencies must foster STEMM talent, before it’s too late.
Benefits
DOD to review military healthcare system
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel this week ordered a comprehensive review of the military health system.
Benefits
VA OIG releases interim report on Phoenix facility
An ongoing review of the Department of Veterans Affairs Phoenix Health Care System by the department's Office of Inspector General has identified 1,700 veterans who were waiting for a primary care appointment but were not on the facility's waiting list, according to an interim report issued by the OIG.
Retirement