1. Clarification of grade and pay of podiatrists of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Grade— The list in section 7404(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
by striking “PODIATRIC SURGEON (DPM)” and inserting “PODIATRIST”; and
by inserting after the item relating to “Physician and surgeon grade.” the following new item:
Pay—
In general— Section 7431 of such title is amended—
by striking “physician and dentist” each place it appears and inserting “physician, podiatrist, and dentist”;
by striking “physicians and dentists” each place it appears and inserting “physicians, podiatrists, and dentists”;
by striking “physician or dentist” each place it appears and inserting “physician, podiatrist, or dentist”;
by striking “physicians or dentists” each place it appears and inserting “physicians, podiatrists, or dentists”;
by striking “Physician and Dentist” each place it appears and inserting “Physician, Podiatrist, and Dentist”; and
in subsection (e)(1)(A), by inserting “podiatrists and” before “dentists.”.
Administrative matters— Section 7433 of such title is amended by striking “physicians and dentists” each place it appears and inserting “physicians, podiatrists, and dentists”.
Conforming amendment— The heading of subchapter III of chapter 74 of such title is amended by inserting “, Podiatrists,” after “Physicians”.
Clerical amendment— The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 74 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to subchapter III and inserting the following new item:
Technical amendment— Section 7433 of such title is further amended—
by striking subsection (b);
in subsection (a)—
by striking “(1) The Secretary” and inserting “The Secretary”; and
by redesignating paragraph (2) as subsection (b); and
in subsection (b), as so redesignated—
by striking “In prescribing” and inserting “Recommendations and views.—In prescribing”; and
by striking “this paragraph” and inserting “this subsection”.