All Reports

Review of VHA’s Implementation of the Veterans Choice Program
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15-04673-333

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2018
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health streamline processes and procedures for accessing care under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2019
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health develop accurate forecasts of demand for care purchased in the community.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2017
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health simplify requirements for network providers to bill for services under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2018
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health ensure eligible veterans are not financially liable for the full cost of treatment authorized under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/2/2018
We recommended the Under Secretary of Health ensure community providers are paid in a timely manner under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2017
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health review the Veterans Choice Program to determine if growth of provider networks is being limited by allowing reimbursement below Medicare rates.
Audit of VA’s Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentives
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14-04578-371

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 7/9/2020
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to ensure recruitment and relocation incentives are fully justified and authorized before being included on vacancy announcements for hard-to-fill positions or before the final selectee is identified in cases where a position is not filled through a vacancy announcement.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/5/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office to ensure Senior Executive Service recruitment and relocation incentives are fully justified and authorized before being included on vacancy announcements for hard-to-fill positions or before the final selectee is identified in cases where a position is not filled through a vacancy announcement.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 7/9/2020
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to monitor compliance with its employee certification requirement before relocation incentives are authorized for payment.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/5/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls to monitor the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office’s compliance with the employee certification requirement before Senior Executive Service relocation incentives are authorized for payment.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 3/1/2018
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to monitor facilities’ compliance with developing workforce and succession plans to reduce the risk of long-term reliance on retention incentives.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 11/22/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls to monitor the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office’s compliance with developing workforce and succession plans to reduce the risk of long-term reliance on retention incentives for Senior Executives.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 9/19/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration monitor the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office to ensure its technical review and recommendations to the VA Chief of Staff regarding Senior Executive Service incentives are prudent and in full compliance with VA Handbook 5007/46.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/5/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration assess the feasibility of limiting the number of consecutive years employees in specific occupations or groups of employees in specific occupations can receive retention incentive payments.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 5/18/2018
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to monitor facilities’ compliance with VA Handbook 5007/46 requirements to initiate debt collection from individuals who did not fulfill their recruitment, relocation, or retention incentive service obligations.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 5/18/2018
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration examine the capabilities of the HR Smart personnel system to determine the extent to which it is possible to develop an incentive-specific automated alert that notifies Human Resources personnel when employees have outstanding recruitment, relocation, or retention incentive service obligations.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 162,600,000.00
Healthcare Inspection – Review of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in VHA Facilities
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15-04247-111

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/20/2017
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health implement procedures to ensure that facilities comply with Veterans Health Administration Directive 1031 requirements, including the completion of annual evaluations, designation of provider and pharmacy champions, staff education, and the provision of adequate dedicated staffing and resources.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2017
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health require that Veterans Health Administration facilities track and generate clinical outcome reports on antibiotic use.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/15/2016
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health consider implementing standardized tools and definitions for antimicrobial stewardship data and a uniform reporting system to permit analysis of comparable information over time.
Review of Alleged Wasted Funds at Consolidated Patient Account Centers for Windows Enterprise Licenses
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16-00790-417

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 11/9/2020
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement a policy to ensure cost-effective utilization of information technology equipment, installed software, and services and ensure coordination of acquisitions with affected VA organizations. This will help ensure VA’s operating framework and organizational needs are considered prior to acquisitions.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 7,200,000.00
Audit of VHA’s Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy Program
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15-05255-422

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2016
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health ensure the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacies¿ Logistics Officer and Director or Associate Director review all inventory adjustments and approve adjustment documentation monthly as required by CMOP Inventory Management and Control national policy.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2016
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health ensures Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy National Office implements a mechanism to validate self-reported data to ensure the reliability of its core quality metrics.
Audit of VBA's Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Tuition and Fee Payments
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14-05118-147

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/19/2017
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits improve outreach by periodically requiring Education Liaison Representatives to review Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program requirements, the School Certifying Official Handbook, and other available Veterans Benefits Administration training resources with School Certifying Officials to help them submit accurate and complete tuition and fee certifications.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/9/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits develop risk profiles for schools that are prone to certification problems, improper payments, and missed recoupments; and implement a process to periodically review and verify the certification information submitted by these schools.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/9/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits incorporate improper payment and missed recoupment risk factors into Veterans Benefits Administration’s risk-based system for the prioritization and completion of compliance surveys.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/23/2017
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits revise the School Certifying Official Handbook to clarify guidance on allowable book and supply fees.
No. 5
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2017
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits review and strengthen Education Service policies and controls regarding the discontinuance and recoupment of payments, repeated classes, and satisfactory academic progress to ensure compliance with Federal regulations and prevent possible education benefits abuse.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2017
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure that mitigating circumstances are properly verified and supporting documentation is obtained before tuition repayments are forgiven.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/9/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits initiate action to recover identified improper payments when collections are deemed appropriate and reasonable.
No. 8
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2016
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits review the identified missed recoupments to determine if collections would be appropriate and reasonable.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 2,270,000,128.00
Review of VBA’s Special Monthly Compensation Housebound Benefits
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15-02707-277

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/29/2016
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits establish a plan to update the electronic system to prevent staff from completing a decision without considering potential eligibility to statutory housebound benefits any time a veteran has a single 100 percent evaluation.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/27/2018
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits conduct a review of all veterans being paid compensation at the housebound rate with a combined evaluation of 90 percent or less and provide certification of completion of the review to the Office of Inspector General.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/5/2017
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits establish a plan to conduct periodic reviews of high-risk cases in which housebound benefits are being paid.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/5/2017
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits implement a plan to provide all decision-makers the updated special monthly compensation training and monitor the effectiveness of the training.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/9/2016
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits establish a plan to update the electronic system to ensure staff discontinue temporary housebound benefits when the criteria are no longer met.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/15/2017
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits remind staff of the requirements to use the Special Monthly Compensation Calculator in all special monthly compensation cases and include the results in the file, and implement a plan to ensure compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/9/2016
We recommended the then Acting Under Secretary for Benefits clarify the meaning of the term substantially confined for housebound in-fact benefits.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 154,400,000.00
OIG Determination of VHA Occupational Staffing Shortages
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16-00351-453
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Topics:  Staffing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2018
We restated our previous recommendation that the Under Secretary for Health ensure that the Veterans Health Administration develops staffing models for critical need occupations, and we further recommend that the Veterans Health Administration sets forth milestones and a timetable for further critical need occupations’ staffing model development, piloting, and implementation.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2018
We restated our previous recommendation that the Under Secretary for Health review data on regrettable losses and consider implementing measures to reduce such losses.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2018
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health consider incorporating data that predicts changes in veteran demand for health care into its staffing model.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2018
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health assess the Veterans Health Administration’s resources and expertise in developing staffing models and determine whether exploration of external options to develop the above staffing model is necessary.
Combined Assessment Program Summary Report – Evaluation of Advance Directives in Veterans Health Administration Facilities
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16-03960-428

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/8/2017
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility senior managers, ensure that employees consistently ask inpatients whether they want to discuss advance directives and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/8/2017
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility senior managers, ensure that when inpatients request a discussion about advance directives, clinicians consistently document that the discussion occurred using only the two Veterans Health Administration standardized note titles for advance directive discussions and that facility managers monitor compliance.
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