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 and may be referred after discussion at the Health Professions Education Committee to the VA Affiliations Partnership 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; and a House Officer who serves on the committee may request additional meetings. Program-specific issues should be brought to the attention of the VA service chief and/or VA GME rotation supervisor. 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 available as well as access via the emergency room entrance. House Officers will not be required to pay for overnight or weekend parking, but must register their car with VA Police to receive access to the appropriate parking structure. House Officers who have registered for free, overnight parking, are expected to leave the parking structure upon completion of morning rounds.

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 will be provided with a $75, $50, or $25 cards commensurate with number of shifts and calls they are assigned 12 hours or longer in length. 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, meals shall be available to House Officers pursuant to procedures specified by the VA. A meal ordering service will be provided to House Officers rotating at the VA pursuant to a procedure established by the VA and provided to HOA. If there is an operational need to revise these procedures, the Employer will provide advance notice to the HOA, and the parties will meet to discuss and address any concerns the HOA has about the changes.

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

By: Wade Baughman
Date:

The University of Michigan
House Officers Association

By: Dr. Kyle Johnson
Date: