All Reports

Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00545-115
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director conducts a full review of the Veterans Crisis Line staff’s management of caller 1’s contacts, including the responder’s conduct, consults with Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes action as warranted.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director ensures leaders’ awareness and understanding of administrative investigation board policy and procedures as applicable to the Veterans Crisis Line.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2021
The Montana VA Health Care System Director ensures that primary care providers include and document assessment and care plans for patients with mental health conditions.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2021
The Montana VA Health Care System Director makes certain that primary care providers comply with Veterans Health Administration policy regarding the electronic health record documentation of patients’ non-VA health records.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Executive Director, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, consults with relevant Veterans Health Administration program offices, including the National Center for Patient Safety, to establish applicable quality management processes and expectations including staff reporting of adverse events and close calls.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director evaluates Veterans Crisis Line leaders’ expectations regarding the percentage of silent monitored calls completed and establishes benchmarks for individual staff requirements.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director makes certain that root cause analyses are conducted as required by Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Executive Director, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, determines if Veterans Health Administration disclosure policies apply to the Veterans Crisis Line and establishes procedures as appropriate.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director ensures processes are developed to promote responders’ communication regarding emergency dispatch for disconnected callers.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director conducts a full review of Veterans Crisis Line staff members’ contacts and rescue management with caller 2, consults with the Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes action as warranted.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director strengthens supervisory oversight of social service assistants and clearly communicates expectations to all supervisory levels.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-02667-93
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention ● Community Care

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director conducts a full review of the patient’s care to determine if administrative action is warranted, consulting with Human Resources and General Counsel offices as appropriate.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensures that staff complete suicide risk assessments consistent with Veterans Health Administration and Phoenix VA Health Care System policies.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensures timely and accurate completion of electronic health record documentation.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director evaluates the community care psychology consult authorization timeliness and takes action as warranted.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director conducts a review of Primary Care Clinic missed appointment procedures and ensures patient follow-up and staff training, as appropriate.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director evaluates scheduling accuracy of mental health community care psychology consults and takes action as appropriate.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensures timely completion of behavioral health autopsies, consistent with Veterans Health Administration policy, and monitors for ongoing compliance.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-01271-64
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs define in advance, communicate, and document expectations for focused professional practice evaluations in provider profiles.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that service chiefs include the minimum specialty-specific criteria for professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/17/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that service chiefs complete and document focused professional practice evaluations on all newly hired licensed independent practitioners and evaluation results are reviewed and documented by the Clinical Executive Board.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/18/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that reprivileging decisions are based on service-specific ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/17/2021
The Medical Center Director determines reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed healthcare professionals’ departure from the medical center.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/17/2021
The Medical Center Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Multidisciplinary Pain Management Committee monitors the quality of pain assessment and the effectiveness of pain management interventions.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that qualified providers conduct four follow-up visits within 30 days of a High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flag placement.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/17/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that clinicians complete patient safety plans within seven days before or after the current High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flag date.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/18/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that life-sustaining treatment plans for patients who lack both decision-making capacity and a surrogate are referred to and reviewed by the assigned multidisciplinary committee.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the medical center’s Women Veterans Program Manager is free of collateral duties.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-01521-48
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Care Coordination ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Director strengthens the processes for collaboration between Inpatient Mental Health Unit staff and Vet Center providers for shared patients including for collateral information and discharge planning.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Director ensures that Inpatient Mental Health Unit staff collaboratively develop safety plans with patients, including asking the patient directly about access to lethal means.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Director continues to monitor the communication of suicide risk assessment results in the hand-off process across clinical settings and takes action as necessary.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Director monitors compliance with Mental Health Treatment Coordinator standard operating procedures to ensure that Inpatient Mental Health Unit staff assign a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator, as required.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Director ensures that issue briefs are comprehensive and accurate.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Director conducts a full review of the patient’s final episode of care and determines whether an institutional disclosure is warranted.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/19/2021
The Under Secretary for Health disseminates written guidance broadly to Veterans Health Administration stakeholders to ensure that Vet Center staff are included in the root cause analysis process for suicide-related events of shared patients.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00130-25
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that service chiefs’ reprivileging recommendations are based on ongoing professional practice evaluation activities and licensed independent practitioner files contain properly completed evaluation forms with supporting data.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/6/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Medical Executive Board’s decision to recommend continuation of privileges is based on complete ongoing professional practice evaluation results.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/22/2021
The Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed health care professionals’ departure from the medical center.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/22/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that staff dispose of contaminated instruments and used medications appropriately.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/22/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures managers remove patient care supplies from shipping cartons and all corrugated boxes prior to putting items in clean storage areas.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/14/2020
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that staff secure protected health information when transporting laboratory specimens from the clinic to the medical center.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/6/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete an aberrant behavior risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, mental health problems or disorders, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on all patients prior to initiating long- term opioid therapy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/10/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers obtain and document informed consent for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/10/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers conduct follow-up assessments that include adherence to the plan of care and effectiveness of interventions within three months of initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that mental health providers collaborate with the Suicide Prevention Coordinator after unsuccessful contact attempts with patients flagged as high risk for suicide who miss mental health appointments and properly document those efforts.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/14/2020
The Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all staff complete annual suicide prevention refresher training
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/14/2020
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that gynecological care coverage is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/22/2021
The Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members are appointed and attend Women Veterans Health Committee meetings.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/22/2021
The Associate Director Patient Care/Nursing Service evaluates and determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that high-level disinfected endoscopes are stored properly.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-08542-11
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/26/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director conducts a comprehensive review of the Caller’s contacts and staff documentation on the day of the Caller’s death, consults with Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes action as warranted.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/26/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director evaluates the effectiveness of current training for responders on lethal means assessment, takes action as warranted, and ensures supervisory oversight of lethal means assessments and related documentation.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/26/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director provides written guidance on responders’ documentation of supervisory consultation and considers implementing independent supervisory documentation.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/19/2022
The Veterans Crisis Line Director establishes policy and training for responders’ assessment of callers’ substance use and overdose risk, and monitors compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/26/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director expedites the decision whether to implement a standardized safety plan template and ensures completion of safety planning per Veterans Crisis Line standards.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/26/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director evaluates the criteria for supervisory follow-up including silent monitoring criteria and internal program review outcomes and takes action, as warranted.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/26/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director implements a system to identify caller contacts that warrant root cause analysis or other internal reviews and tracks the review process to completion and includes interviews of all relevant staff.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2021
The Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Executive Director expedites efforts to develop suicide prevention strategies for weekend and holiday callers who are identified at increased risk for suicide.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00131-243
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that final peer reviews are completed within 120 calendar days from the date a peer review is required, and any necessary extensions are approved in writing by the System Director.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Interdisciplinary Peer Review Panel provides quarterly analysis summaries to the Medical Executive Council.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that physician utilization management advisors consistently document their decisions in the National Utilization Management Integration database.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Patient Safety Manager includes all required elements in root cause analyses and properly documents root cause analyses in the VHA Patient Safety Information System.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Patient Safety Manager submits each root cause analysis to the National Center for Patient Safety within the required time frame.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Patient Safety Manager or designee provides feedback to staff who submit patient adverse event reports that result in root cause analysis actions.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers with similar training and privileges complete focused and ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that reprivileging decisions are based on service- or section-specific ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the licensed healthcare professional’s first- or second-line supervisor completes and signs the exit review form within seven calendar days of the professional’s departure from the healthcare system.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/10/2022
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that healthcare system managers maintain a safe and clean environment by identifying and resolving environmental deficiencies found during environment of care rounds.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete an aberrant behavior risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, psychological disease, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers document justification for prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines concurrently.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers consistently conduct urine drug testing for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers consistently obtain and document informed consent for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers follow up with patients within the required time frame after initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers’ follow-up with patients receiving long-term opioid therapy includes an assessment of adherence to the pain management plan of care.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers’ follow-up with patients receiving long-term opioid therapy includes an assessment of intervention effectiveness.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Pain Management Committee monitors the quality of pain assessment and the effectiveness of pain management interventions.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers conduct four follow-up appointments within the required time frame for patients flagged as high risk for suicide.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/10/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures clinical and nonclinical staff complete annual suicide prevention refresher training.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/18/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers complete and document goals of care conversations prior to hospice referrals.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that all required members consistently attend Women Veterans Health Committee meetings and the committee reports to executive leaders.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that healthcare system staff collect and track the required women veterans quality assurance data.
No. 25
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Sterile Processing Services Chief reports the annual risk analysis to the Veteran Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 26
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Deputy Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Chief, Engineering Services conducts annual airflow testing in all areas where reusable medical equipment is reprocessed or stored.
No. 27
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that commercial airflow directional devices are used in areas where reusable medical equipment is reprocessed and stored.
No. 28
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/10/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all new Sterile Processing Services employees complete Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
No. 29
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Reusable Medical Equipment Coordinator completes competency assessments for all staff reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
No. 30
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/21/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Sterile Processing Services staff receive monthly continuing education.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00130-241
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Medical Center Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that root cause analyses include all required review elements and are properly documented in the VHA Patient Safety Information System.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the service chief includes the minimum pathology-specific criteria for focused professional practice evaluations.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that reprivileging decisions are based on service-specific criteria for ongoing professional practice evaluations.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers with similar training and privileges complete ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/24/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that a licensed healthcare practitioner’s first- or second-line supervisor completes and signs the exit review form within seven calendar days of departure from the medical center.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that medical center managers keep furnishings and equipment safe and in good repair.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Environmental Management Services staff separate clean and dirty equipment, devices, and supplies.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and ensures that medical center managers maintain safe, functional,and clean patient care areas.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/24/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and ensures that staff secure protected health information withinlaboratory transport containers.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/24/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete an aberrant behavior risk assessment that includes a history of untreated substance abuse, unstable psychological disease, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain providers document justification for prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines concurrently.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers consistently obtain and document informed consent for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that suicide prevention safety plans are completed within seven days before or after the High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flag designation.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that suicide prevention safety plans include all required elements for patients with High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flags.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that clinical and nonclinical staff complete annual suicide prevention refresher training.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/24/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that each community-based outpatient clinic has at least two designated women’s health primary care providers.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/21/2021
The Associate Director for Patient/Nursing Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Sterile Processing Services Chief reports the annual risk analysis results to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-09493-249
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention ● Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director evaluates the current process for patients discharged from the Emergency Department who need to be seen the same day in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic for medication management, establishes a clear referral process to the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, and verifies that patients receive the care needed.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director reviews the Emergency Department Mental Health Handbook and defines a clear process for medication management in the Emergency Department, and ensures that patients receive same day psychiatric medication management when indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/7/2022
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director evaluates the current process for Emergency Department physicians to refer patients to the Emergency Department mental health provider for a mental health assessment and verifies that patients who require mental health provider assessment receive the care needed.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director reviews the current medication reconciliation processes in the Emergency Department and Primary Care Clinics and verifies that providers complete and document medication reconciliation in accordance with policy and makes changes as necessary.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director assesses the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic check-in process and verifies mental health patients are registered, triaged, and receive mental health services as needed.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center ensures that patients are offered the option of community care consult, as appropriate.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director evaluates the outpatient consult process and verifies that providers manage discontinued consults appropriately.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/6/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director evaluates the process for community care clinical oversight, clarifies who has responsibility for coordinating care for patients receiving mental health in the community, and verifies that patients receive authorized community mental health care.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/7/2022
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director evaluates the process for timely retrieval of medical records from community care providers, verifies the medical records are uploaded into patients’ electronic health records, and takes action as necessary.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director evaluates the clinical review process for community care authorizations, ensures staff are trained on the process, verifies that authorizations have clinical delegate review, and are processed timely.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director reviews the complaint reporting, responding and tracking processes and ensures that complaints are addressed, resolved, and documented in accordance with current facility policy.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director ensures leaders and supervisors are trained on initiating and conducting a fact finding.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/3/2020
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director considers conducting further review to address the differing accounts of the Emergency Department physician and Emergency Department mental health provider regarding the patient referral to ascertain whether the Emergency Department failed to follow facility policy, and takes action if needed.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director ensures that responsible staff receive training on completing behavioral autopsy reports as required by the Veterans Health Administration Behavioral Health Autopsy Program and verifies that behavioral autopsies are completed in accordance with policy.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director reviews the issue brief reporting requirements with supervisors and ensures timely issue brief reporting for patients who die by suicide.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/6/2021
The Memphis VA Medical Center Director ensures that staff who conduct root cause analyses are trained on the guidelines for interviewing individuals vital to the root cause analysis charter and identified processes, and verifies the root cause analysis interview guidelines are followed.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00130-194
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures egresses are free of blockages.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures damaged wheelchairs are repaired or removed from service.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that the Suicide Prevention Coordinator ensures completion and documentation of at least five outreach activities each month.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that clinicians conduct four follow-up appointments within the required time frame.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that providers document all required elements of goals of care conversations.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines reason(s) for noncompliance and certifies that the multidisciplinary committee responsible for life-sustaining treatment decision reviews include three or more different disciplines and at least one member from the medical center’s Ethics Consultation Service.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Medical Center Director determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that the multidisciplinary committee reviews life-sustaining treatment plans for patients who lack decision-making capability and do not have a surrogate.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures the medical center’s Women Veterans Program Manager is free of collateral duties.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that the Associate Chief Nurse of Operations maintains an accurate file of all reusable devices that includes current manufacturers’ instructions for use.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/28/2021
The Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that the CensiTrac® instrument tracking system is installed and operational.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that the Associate Chief Nurse of Operations reports the annual risk analysis to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services areas are cleaned as scheduled.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services maintains required climate control parameters for areas where reusable medical equipment is reprocessed and stored.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services staff receive competency assessments for reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-06872-199
|
Topics:  Patient Safety ● Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/9/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that root cause analyses include all required review elements and are properly documented in the VHA Patient Safety Information System.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/9/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that root cause analysis actions are implemented and properly documented in the VHA Patient Safety Information System.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that the Patient Safety Manager or designee provides an annual patient safety report to medical center leaders.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures clinical managers define in advance, communicate, and document expectations for focused professional practice evaluations in provider profiles.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that reprivileging decisions are based on service-specific ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures clinical managers consistently collect and review ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that providers with similar training and privileges complete ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that Medical Professional Standards Board meeting minutes consistently reflect the review of professional practice evaluation results when recommending continuation of privileges.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Chief of Staff determines reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed healthcare professionals departing the medical center.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff determines reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures the departing licensed healthcare professional’s first- or second-line supervisor appropriately signs the exit review form.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Associate Director determines reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that patient care supply areas are properly designated, and adequate temperature and humidity controls are continuously monitored and maintained.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that a safe and clean environment is maintained throughout the medical center.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that personally identifiable information is protected when transporting information or specimens from the clinics to the medical center.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/14/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that clinicians complete a behavioral risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, psychological disease, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers consistently obtain and document informed consent for patients who are initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/14/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures healthcare providers follow up with patients within three months after initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff determines reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that clinicians conduct four follow-up appointments within the required time frame and document the patient’s preference for telephonic follow-up, if warranted.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that clinicians complete safety plans in a timely manner and that all required elements—including firearm and opioid safety—are assessed for patients with High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flags.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures clinical and nonclinical staff receive annual suicide prevention refresher training.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/9/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and appoints a multidisciplinary committee responsible for life-sustaining treatment decision reviews that includes representatives from three or more different disciplines.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that required members consistently attend Women Veterans Health Committee meetings.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and makes certain that Sterile Processing Services reports the annual risk analysis to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services maintain required airflow parameters for areas where reusable medical equipment is reprocessed.
No. 25
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that staff avoid eating, drinking, and/or storing food items in areas where decontamination, sterilization, or clean/sterile storage occurs.148
No. 26
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services determines reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that staff properly store endoscopes.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00077-211
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that a minimum of 80 percent of inpatient utilization management reviews are completed.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary utilization management data reviews.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Medical Executive Council documents conclusions and recommendations for continuation of privileges that are based on focused professional practice evaluation results.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/25/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and verifies that first- or second-line supervisors complete provider exit review forms within seven calendar days of providers’ departure from the medical center.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that service leaders immediately report a provider’s failure to meet generally accepted standards of practice to state licensing boards
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that clinicians complete an aberrant behavior risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, psychological disease, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on all patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that clinicians document justification for concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine medication therapy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that clinicians consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that clinicians consistently obtain and document informed consent for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that clinicians follow up with patients within the required time frame after initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider follow-up with patients receiving long-term opioid therapy includes an assessment of pain management care plan adherence and intervention effectiveness.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Medical Center Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Pain Committee monitors the quality of pain assessment and effectiveness of pain management interventions.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that mental health providers consistently contact or attempt to contact high-risk patients who miss mental health or substance abuse appointments and properly document those efforts.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and verifies that providers complete safety plans within the required time frame for patients with High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flags.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluate and determines any additional reason for noncompliance and makes certain that suicide prevention safety plans include all required elements.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain staff complete suicide risk and intervention training within 90 days of entering their position and annual suicide prevention refresher training thereafter.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/11/2022
The Medical Center Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that a multidisciplinary life-sustaining treatment decisions committee is established to review all proposed plans.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that each site of care has at least two designated women’s health primary care providers or arrangements for leave coverage when there is only one designated provider.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members consistently attend the Women Veterans Health Committee meetings.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that standard operating procedures align with manufacturers’ guidelines and instructions for use.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Chief of Sterile Processing Services reports the annual risk analysis results to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/25/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services staff receive properly completed competency assessments for reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-06873-210
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures improvement actions recommended by the Quality Executive Board are fully implemented and improvement changes are monitored.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary utilization management data reviews.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Patient Safety Manager or designee consistently implements improvement actions arising from root cause analysis activities.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that service chiefs include service-specific criteria for ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/27/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that service chiefs’ reprivileging recommendations are based on ongoing professional practice evaluation activities.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Medical Executive Board’s decision to recommend continuation of privileges is based on ongoing professional practice evaluation results.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/25/2023
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed healthcare professionals departing the healthcare system.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/24/2021
The Associate Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures mental health unit cameras are reconfigured to eliminate blind spots.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete a behavioral risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, psychological disease, and aberrant drug-related behaviors for all patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers consistently obtain and document informed consent for patients prior to beginning long-term opioid therapy.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures healthcare providers follow up with patients within three months after initiating long-term opioid therapy and assess intervention effectiveness.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Pain Committee monitors the quality of pain assessment, effectiveness of pain management interventions, and opportunities for improvements.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Suicide Prevention Coordinator delivers at least five outreach activities each month.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers conduct four follow-up visits, either face-to-face or telephonic with documented consent, within the required time frame.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff receive annual suicide prevention refresher training.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members are assigned and consistently attend Women Veterans Health Committee meetings and that the committee reports to an executive leadership board.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that gastroenterology staff test at least 10 percent of reprocessed endoscopes for bioburden and testing to include each endoscope model.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all new Sterile Processing Services employees complete Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures Sterile Processing Services staff receive monthly continuing education.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00068-206
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures implementation of specific action items are documented in Quality Council minutes when problems or opportunities for improvement are identified.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all required representatives are assigned and consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that service chiefs include the minimum required gastroenterology-specific criteria for focused and ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed healthcare professionals’ departure from the medical center.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all medical equipment is identified as safe for patient use.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that staff remove expired medications from patient care areas.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete an aberrant behavior risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, psychological disease, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on all patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers consistently obtain and document informed consent for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/21/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures healthcare providers follow up with patients within three months after initiating long-term opioid therapy to assess adherence to the therapy plan and effectiveness of treatment.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that employees receive initial suicide prevention training within 90 days of hire and annual refresher training thereafter.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/4/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Sterile Processing Services Chief reports the annual risk analysis to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/4/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that traffic flow in the Gastroenterology clean storage areas is restricted.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that temperature and humidity requirements are maintained and documented for the Gastroenterology clean storage areas.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/26/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services staff receive competency assessments prior to reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures Sterile Processing Services staff receive monthly continuing education.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
20-00062-205
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Chief of Staff determines reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that ongoing professional practice evaluations include service-specific criteria and are completed by providers with similar training and privileges.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/4/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed healthcare professionals departing the healthcare system.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete an aberrant behavior risk assessment on all patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers document justification for prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines concurrently.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers obtain and document informed consent consistently for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy. 
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/6/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers conduct four follow-up visits, either face-to-face or telephonic with documented preference within the required time frame. 
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/26/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain staff complete suicide risk and intervention training within 90 days of entering their position and annual suicide prevention refresher training thereafter. 
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that each community-based outpatient clinic has at least two designated women’s health primary care providers or arrangements for leave coverage when there is only one designated provider.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/26/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Women Veterans Health Committee holds quarterly meetings with required representatives, and report to executive leaders.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that standard operating procedures align with current manufacturers’ guidelines and instructions for use. 
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/17/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Sterile Processing Services Chief reports the annual risk analysis to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services staff receive properly completed competency assessments for reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-07507-214
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director ensures that Emergency Department staff adhere to Veterans Health Administration suicide prevention policies and monitors compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director ensures that patients are adequately assessed for withdrawal risk and provided with appropriate disposition for management of withdrawal.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director ensures staff education of the Veterans Health Administration and Washington DC VA Medical Center policies related to employee misconduct and patient abuse, and monitors compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The VA Capitol Health Care Network Director reviews Washington DC VA Medical Center leadership and supervisory response to allegations of employee misconduct and patient abuse to determine if administrative action is warranted and takes action as appropriate.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director determines leaders’ authority and duty to report physician 2’s behavior to the State Licensing Board and National Practitioner Data Bank and takes action as indicated.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director establishes comprehensive quality monitoring of the required hand-off communication processes, including interdisciplinary participation and monitors compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director makes certain that Emergency Department staff reconcile diagnostic and care plan information that may vary across providers and shifts when determining a patient’s final disposition.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director ensures that Emergency Department staff include the patient and family members, in the development of a care plan as appropriate, and monitor compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director ensures that facility staff complete Suicide Behavior and Overdose reports as required.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/16/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director establishes quality monitoring of consult scheduling procedures and monitors compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/19/2021
The Washington DC VA Medical Center Director expedites Emergency Department renovations to ensure a safe and secure area for evaluation of mental health patients.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-09416-186
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/19/2020
The Interim Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary utilization management data reviews.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures clinical managers define and document expectations for focused professional practice evaluations in provider profiles prior to assessment.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and verifies that first- or second-line supervisors complete provider exit review forms within seven calendar days of a provider’s departure from the medical center.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers complete a behavior risk assessment that includes a history of substance abuse, psychological factors, and aberrant drug-related behaviors on all patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/28/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers document justification for concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine medication therapy.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reason for noncompliance and make certain that healthcare providers consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers obtain and document informed consent consistently for patients prior to initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers follow up with patients within the required time frame after initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that providers’ follow-up of patients receiving long-term opioid therapy includes an assessment of pain management care plan adherence and intervention effectiveness.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Interim Medical Center Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Pain Management Sub-Committee monitors the quality of pain assessment and the effectiveness of pain management interventions.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/4/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that clinicians conduct four follow-up appointments, either face-to-face or telephonic with documented consent, within the required time frame.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/19/2020
The Interim Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain staff receive annual suicide prevention refresher training.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/28/2021
The Interim Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that each community-based outpatient clinic has at least two designated women’s health primary care providers or arrangements for leave coverage when CBOCs have only one designated provider.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2021
The Interim Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Women Veterans Health Committee is comprised of the required core members.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/19/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that standard operating procedures align with manufacturers’ guidelines and instructions for use.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Chief of Sterile Processing Services reports the annual risk analysis results to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Services Management Board.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/19/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services staff properly complete competency assessments for reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-06870-175
|
Topics:  Patient Safety ● Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures specific action items are documented in Quality, Safety, and Value Board minutes when problems or opportunities for improvement are identified.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that peer reviewers consistently use at least one of the nine aspects of care for evaluations and address the initial screener’s concern.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that all applicable deaths within 24 hours of admission are peer reviewed.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that final peer reviews are completed within 120 calendar days from the date it is determined a peer review is required and any necessary extensions are approved in writing by the System Director.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that a summary of the Peer Review Committee’s analyses is reviewed quarterly by the Medical Executive Board.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/29/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that physician utilization management advisors consistently document their decisions in the National Utilization Management Integration database.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that root cause analyses include all required review elements and be properly documented in the VHA Patient Safety Information System.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures clinical managers define in advance, communicate, and document expectations for focused professional practice evaluations in the provider profiles.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that service chiefs include the minimum required gastroenterology- and pathology-specific criteria for focused professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that reprivileging decisions are based on service-specific ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers with similar training and privileges complete ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Medical Executive Board meeting minutes consistently reflect the review of professional practice evaluation results in the decision to recommend continuation of privileges.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/20/2023
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven calendar days of licensed healthcare professionals’ departing the healthcare system and include the signature of the first- or second-line supervisor in the properly designated area.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures employees’ ability to access safety data sheet information.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that clean/sterile storerooms are secured.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures damaged wheelchairs are repaired or removed from service.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures areas are consistently stocked with medical supplies typically needed to meet patient care needs.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/29/2021
The Assistant Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that panic alarms are tested and that deficiencies identified from the testing are addressed, including staff education.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that deficiencies observed during Comprehensive Environment of Care Rounds are correctly documented in the Comprehensive Environment of Care Assessment and Compliance Tool and followed until completion.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Wyandotte County VA Clinic managers maintain a safe and clean environment by addressing the deficiencies identified by the inspection.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that personally identifiable information is protected when transporting information or specimens from the clinics.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers consistently conduct urine drug testing as required for patients on long-term opioid therapy.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/29/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that healthcare providers obtain and document informed consent consistently for patients who are initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 25
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/5/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures healthcare providers follow up with patients within three months after initiating long-term opioid therapy.
No. 26
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Suicide Prevention Coordinator ensures completion of at least five outreach activities each month.
No. 27
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance and ensures that mental health providers consistently contact or attempt to contact patients flagged as high risk for suicide who miss mental health or substance abuse appointments and properly document those efforts.
No. 28
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the mental health provider and the Suicide Prevention Coordinator collaborate to determine next steps for patients flagged as high risk for suicide when attempted contact is unsuccessful after missed mental health or substance abuse appointments.
No. 29
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Chief of Staff determines the reason(s) for noncompliance and ensures that Suicide Prevention Safety Plans include an assessment of patients’ access to opioids and a discussion of safety and overdose risks.
No. 30
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/18/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that each CBOC has at least two designated women’s health primary care providers or arrangements for leave coverage when CBOCs have only one designated provider.
No. 31
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members consistently attend the Women Veterans Health Committee that meets at least quarterly and reports to executive leaders.
No. 32
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Sterile Processing Service Chief maintains an accurate file for all reusable equipment that includes current manufacturers’ instructions for use.
No. 33
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that standard operating procedures are kept current and maintained as required, which includes alignment with manufacturers’ guidelines and instructions for use, review at least every three years, and update when there is a change in process or the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
No. 34
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Sterile Processing Services Chief consistently performs an annual risk analysis and reports the analysis to the Veterans Integrated Service Network Sterile Processing Service Management Board.
No. 35
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that annual airflow testing is conducted in all areas where reusable medical equipment is reprocessed.
No. 36
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that endoscopes are stored properly.
No. 37
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all current Sterile Processing Services employees complete Level 1 training and all new employees complete Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
No. 38
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Chief of Sterile Processing Services documents completion of competencies for staff prior to performance of reprocessing duties.
No. 39
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2020
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures Sterile Processing Services staff receive monthly continuing education.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
19-00468-67
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director ensures that Emergency Department staff notify the facility Suicide Prevention Coordinator when a patient presents with suicidal ideation, as required by the Veterans Health Administration.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director conducts a full review of the patient’s final episode of care, including consults, and considers whether an institutional disclosure is warranted.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director conducts a full review of the patient’s final episode of care and consults with the appropriate Human Resources and General Counsel Offices to determine whether any personnel actions are warranted.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director ensures that inpatient consult results are acted upon by the responsible provider or appropriate designee and monitors compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director strengthens processes in root cause analyses consistent with Veterans Health Administration requirements.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensures that the Veterans Health Administration establishes written guidance for root cause analysis teams to identify lessons learned and expectations regarding related actions.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/24/2020
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director ensures that the Patient Safety Committee and Quality Management Council meeting minutes include deliberations and tracking of actions to resolution, as required by Veterans Health Administration and facility policy.