RECRUITING DATABASE AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

SEC. 208. [38 U.S.C. 701 note] RECRUITING DATABASE AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a single database that lists— (1) each vacant position in the Department of Veterans Affairs that the Secretary determines is critical to the mission of the Department, difficult to fill, or both; and (2) each vacant position in the Department of Veterans Affairs for a mental health professional. (b) Qualified Applicant.—If the Secretary determines that an applicant for a vacant position listed in the database established under subsection (a) is qualified for such position but does not select the applicant for such position, the Secretary, at the election of the applicant, may consider the applicant for other similar vacant positions listed in the database for which the applicant is qualified. (c) Prolonged Vacancies.—If the Secretary does not fill a vacant position listed in the database established under subsection (a) after a period determined appropriate by the Secretary, the Secretary— (1) may ensure that applicants described in subsection (b) are considered for such position; and (2) may use the database established under subsection (a) to assist in filling such position. (d) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the use and efficacy of the database established under subsection (a).