H.R. 6538 would expand the conditions of employment that are subject to collective bargaining for certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Under current law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has broad authority to regulate the hours and conditions of employment for physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, registered nurses, physician assistants, and dental assistants employed by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Those employees are prohibited from collectively bargaining over matters pertaining to professional conduct or competence, peer review, and compensation. Under the bill, those employees could collectively bargain over compensation and challenge decisions affecting their compensation.