The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notified AAMC-member institutions and other stakeholders that as of April 1, a new enhanced security background check policy applies to all entering Health Professions Trainees (HPTs), which should be addressed in initial onboarding activity to ensure they will be able to enter VA facilities and access associated systems. The policy requires U.S. citizens and most permanent residents to undergo a Tier-1 background check, which takes longer to complete than the previous background check requirement. Affected HPTs include resident physicians and medical students. Initially, the VA communicated that the new background check requirement would be implemented as of March 21.
The VA Office of Academic Affiliations (VA-OAA) is urging external academic affiliates to expedite the onboarding process for HPTs. Ideally, that process should begin when an HPT is accepted into a program that includes VA site rotations. Initially, the policy will apply to HPTs who have not previously completed VA onboarding. Enhanced vetting through a separate background check process for non-U.S. citizens has been in place since Nov. 1, 2024. Also, some current HPTs whose VA credentials have lapsed may be required to complete a Tier-1 background check.
In September 2024, the AAMC hosted a webinar to explain the new background check policy (video). The Group on Resident Affairs webpage provides access to the webinar recording and additional informational documentation from the VA under the VA Health Enhanced Security Process section. The VA-OAA has provided a Journey Map (PDF), which delineates essential onboarding milestones and several learning aids, including fact sheets for both U.S. and non-U.S. HPTs.
- Washington Highlights