APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS IN HEALTH-CARE POSITIONS.

SEC. 203. APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS IN HEALTH-CARE POSITIONS. Section 4106 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: “(h)(1) The Secretary may appoint in the competitive civil service without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5 (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such title) an individual who— “(A) has a recognized degree or certificate from an accredited institution in a health-care profession or occupation; and “(B) has successfully completed a clinical education program affiliated with the Department. (2) In using the authority provided by this subsection, the Secretary shall apply the principles of preference for the hiring of veterans and other persons established in subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5.”.