### Question
How is the "professional conduct or competence" defined?


### Answer
The term **professional conduct or competence** is defined in *38 U.S.C. § 7422* as follows -

> any of the following:


(1) Direct patient care

#### Citation:
  - *38 U.S.C. § 7422*
  - Heading: **PART V-BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES > CHAPTER 74-VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION&mdash;PERSONNEL > SUBCHAPTER II-COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION**

