VA Form FL-10-332a: Re-Appointment on Lump-Sum Fee Basis

VA Form FL-10-332a: Re-Appointment on Lump-Sum Fee Basis – VA Form FL-10-332a serves as the official standardized letter used by Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical facilities to formally re-appoint qualified professionals as consultants or attendings on a lump-sum fee basis. This administrative tool supports VHA’s ability to secure specialized medical expertise on an intermittent or as-needed basis while maintaining compliance with federal staffing authorities.

What Is VA Form FL-10-332a?

VA Form FL-10-332a (also styled as VHA FL-10-332a) is a one-page letter template titled “Letter of Re-Appointment on a Lump-Sum Fee Basis.” The current version is dated AUG 2007 (R) and remains referenced in active VA policy.

Unlike complex multi-page application forms, this document is a formal notification letter. It confirms the re-appointment, specifies key terms (position, assignment, authority, period covered, and earnings limitation), and outlines important conditions regarding payment and benefits.

Purpose of VA Form FL-10-332a

VHA facilities use this letter to:

  • Officially document and notify individuals of their re-appointment as fee-basis consultants or attendings.
  • Define the lump-sum fee arrangement for services provided.
  • Communicate that only one fee is payable per day or service period, regardless of work performed at multiple VA facilities.
  • Clarify that earnings under this appointment are not subject to civil service retirement or Social Security deductions and are not creditable toward Federal retirement benefits.
  • Express appreciation for the individual’s contribution to veteran patient care.

The form supports annual reappointment cycles. Most appointments terminate no later than September 30 of each fiscal year and require review for continued need in the upcoming year.

Who Uses VA Form FL-10-332a?

This form is used internally by VA medical facility leadership, including:

  • Facility Directors
  • Chiefs of Staff
  • Human Resources Officers

It applies to the re-appointment of physicians, dentists, and other qualified specialists serving as consultants or attendings under 38 U.S.C. § 7405. These individuals typically provide intermittent, specialized services that supplement full-time staff to meet patient care demands.

Medical professionals who previously held such positions and whose services remain needed may receive this re-appointment letter after credentialing and utilization reviews are completed.

Key Information Included in the Re-Appointment Letter

The letter contains these standard elements and fillable sections:

  • Position Title
  • Assignment
  • Authority (typically 38 U.S.C. § 7405)
  • Period Covered (usually aligned with the fiscal year or a fraction thereof)
  • Earnings Limitation

Standard language explains the lump-sum fee structure, the single-fee-per-day rule, and the non-creditable nature of the service for retirement purposes. It also includes an appreciation statement for the provider’s continued support of VHA’s mission.

The Re-Appointment Process for Fee-Basis Consultants and Attendings

Re-appointment using FL-10-332a generally follows these steps at VA facilities:

  1. Annual Utilization Review — HR reviews past utilization and projected needs for the upcoming fiscal year.
  2. Credentialing & Privileging Verification — Current credentials are verified through primary source verification in accordance with VHA Directive 1100.20 (Credentialing of Health Care Providers) and related privileging policies. Re-privileging typically occurs at least every three years.
  3. Need Justification & Conflict Review — The facility confirms the services are essential, no equally qualified local alternative exists when required, and no conflict of interest or dual compensation violation would occur.
  4. Preparation of the Letter — The template is completed with specific details for the individual.
  5. Approval & Signature — Signed by the Facility Director, Chief of Staff, or designated HR official.
  6. Issuance & Filing — The letter is provided to the individual, and copies are maintained in appropriate personnel/credentialing files.

Appointments and re-appointments under this authority are governed by:

  • 38 U.S.C. § 7405 — Authority for temporary and fee-basis appointments.
  • VA Handbook 5005, Staffing (particularly Part II, Chapter 3 and related appendices) — Current procedures for fee-basis consultants and attendings.
  • Dual appointment and conflict of interest rules (38 C.F.R. Part 0 and 5 C.F.R. Part 304).
  • Annual termination requirement (generally by September 30).
  • Restrictions preventing simultaneous compensable appointments except under specific approved conditions.

Facilities must ensure compliance to avoid improper payments or conflicts.

Download VA Form FL-10-332a (Official Fillable PDF)

Official Download Link:
Download VA Form FL-10-332a – Letter of Re-Appointment on a Lump-Sum Fee Basis (PDF)

This is the current official version available directly from va.gov. Always verify you are using the most recent template before issuance.

Tips for VA Medical Facilities Using FL-10-332a

  • Coordinate early between clinical leadership (Chief of Staff/Service Chiefs) and HR to align on staffing needs.
  • Complete credentialing and privileging actions well in advance of the desired effective date.
  • Document the specific justification for continued utilization of each fee-basis provider.
  • Monitor total utilization across facilities to prevent dual compensation issues.
  • Review and update the letter if service needs or conditions change significantly during the appointment period.
  • Maintain organized files tabbed by provider name, date of birth, and SSN as referenced in staffing policy.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form FL-10-332a

Is VA Form FL-10-332a for veterans or patients?
No. This is an internal VHA staffing document used by medical facilities to re-appoint fee-basis medical consultants and attendings.

How long does a re-appointment last?
Typically aligned with the fiscal year and terminates no later than September 30, subject to annual review and re-issuance if utilization is expected to continue.

Can the same individual hold multiple fee-basis appointments?
Only under specific conditions approved by facility leadership that meet dual compensation and conflict-of-interest rules. Most individuals are limited to one compensable VHA appointment at a time.

Where can I find the most current policy guidance?
Refer to the latest version of VA Handbook 5005 on the VA Publications website and current VHA credentialing directives.

This guide is based on official VA sources, including current editions of VA Handbook 5005 and the form itself. For facility-specific procedures or questions about individual cases, contact your local VA Human Resources office or Chief of Staff.