David Shulkin: “I made the decision about 2 months ago to eliminate the Federal requirements on the States for building State nursing…”

I wasn't willing to do that. I don't think that's the right thing for veterans and I stood up against them.

The VISN model was put in place close to 20 years ago, a very innovative model that has served VA well.

It is my hope we can work together to ensure talented medical professional remain in the VA to deliver quality care to our veterans.

I received a phone call saying that the President wanted to make a change, and that's certainly his prerogative to do that, and that's what happened.