This confirms our understanding and support of the following agreement between the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) and its VAAAHS/University of Michigan Affiliation Partnership Council, and the Regents of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan House Officers Association. The VAAAHS/University of Michigan Affiliation Partnership Council will monitor the conditions outlined in the agreement to assure compliance.

It is understood that disagreements or need for clarification which may arise over conditions outlined in this agreement may be discussed at the VA Health Professions Education Committee (formerly the VA Residency Review Committee) and may be referred after discussion at the Health Professions Education Committee to the VA Affiliations Partnership Committee (formerly the Dean's Committee).

House Officers rotating at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System are viewed by veterans as integral to their health care. Given that the VA is a federal facility with its own rules and regulations, the House Staff are subject to all the rules and regulations of the VA as Trainees.

The VA Health Professions Education Committee will hear house officer issues related to patient care, work and work environment that are not department-specific. The Health Professions Education Committee meets quarterly; either party may request additional meetings. Department-specific issues should be brought to the attention of the VA service chief. If further discussion is needed, the Associate Chief of Staff for Education at the VA and/or the Chairperson of the University of Michigan department may be involved.

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System agrees to abide by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines as they apply to the VA Hospital.

House officers who are required by their service to be in-house overnight shall have suitable and secure call rooms. Secured areas for belongings will be available to House Officers. Key card access is currently available on the entrance door, near the volunteer parking lot.

House officers rotating at the VA will be provided with meals or pre-loaded cards for VA Canteen use consistent to the qualification guidelines followed by the house officers rotating at University of Michigan. Qualifying house officers (those house officers in house overnight) will be provided with a $75, $50, or $25 cards commensurate with number of shifts and calls they are assigned. The amount of the meal allowances provided by the VA will approximate 75%, on average, of those provided at the University. In the event VA policy applicable to such meal allowances changes, the Employer shall provide the Association with advance notice, and will meet with the Association to discuss the impact on House Officers. Due to the workload there are times where the additional distribution of cards is warranted and provided. For scheduled shifts during hours that the VA Canteen is not open, doctor's trays shall be available to House Officers pursuant to procedures specified by the VA.

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, the University of Michigan, and the House Officers Association share a common interest and commitment to safety. Each agree to work together and with officials from the University of Michigan Planners Office and the City of Ann Arbor.

For The Regents of The University of Michigan

Michelle Sullivan
Date:

The University of Michigan House Officers Association

Dr. Meg Smith
Date:

Dr. Victoria Hoch
Date: