(a) in general

Section 7616 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(d)

(1)

The Secretary shall ensure that a participant in the Scholarship Program receives a contract for employment in the full-time clinical practice of such participant’s profession at a Department facility with the highest need, as determined by the Secretary, by not later than 90 days after the later of the following dates:

(A)

The date on which the participant completes the course in the Scholarship Program.

(B)

The date on which participant obtains all required licensure, certification, or credentialing necessary to practice independently in their field.

(2)

A contract referred to in paragraph (1) shall include a competitive salary and benefits package consistent with the employment standards of the Department.

(b) Report

(a) Prohibition

Section 1715 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

1715. Prohibition on smoking in facilities of the Veterans Health Administration

(a) Prohibition

No person (including any veteran, patient, resident, employee of the Department, contractor, or visitor) may smoke on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration.

(b) Definitions

In this section:

(1)

The term smoke includes—

(A)

the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and any other combustion or heating of tobacco; and

(B)

the use of any electronic nicotine delivery system, including electronic or e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-cigars.

(2)

The term facility of the Veterans Health Administration means any land or building (including any medical center, nursing home, domiciliary facility, outpatient clinic, or center that provides readjustment counseling) that is—

(A)

under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(B)

under the control of the Veterans Health Administration; and

(C)

not under the control of the General Services Administration.

(b) Conforming amendments