All Reports

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00062-139
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Patient Safety

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2024

The Director evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures leaders evaluate sentinel events and conduct institutional disclosures when criteria are met.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures practitioners with similar training and privileges complete Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2023

The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures electrical receptacles and switches in the mental health unit are covered by metal plates, secured by tamper-resistant screws, and receptacles are flush to the wall.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02725-132
|
Topics:  Patient Safety

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2023

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Director reviews processes in place to ensure proper response to future medical emergencies in outpatient clinics to include staff training, emergency notification systems, and emergency documentation processes.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/30/2024

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Director reviews the process for and compliance with documentation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in outpatient clinic settings, and takes action as indicated.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2024

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Director works with outpatient clinic leaders to ensure that all deficiencies identified in the after-action plan are completed and that compliance is monitored.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2023

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Director consults with Office of General Counsel’s Regional Counsel to review the incident and determine if an institutional disclosure is warranted and takes action accordingly.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/30/2024

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Director completes an evaluation of staffs’ understanding of advance care planning, advance directives, and life-sustaining treatment decision processes, and takes action to address identified gaps.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00044-142

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2024

The Chief Medical Officer determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and reviews the credentials file and makes a recommendation on continuing the appointment process for physicians with a potentially disqualifying licensure action.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-02110-138
|
Topics:  Mental Health

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The Under Secretary for Health directs the Office of Primary Care and Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to identify barriers to provider documentation of opioid use disorder in progress notes and implement solutions addressing these barriers.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The Under Secretary for Health ensures the Office of Primary Care and Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention determine impediments to maintaining accurate identification of opioid use disorder in electronic health record problem lists and implement policy and training to support accurate use of problem lists.
No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The Under Secretary for Health confirms the Office of Primary Care and Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention evaluate barriers affecting provider access and use of Department of Defense treatment records in Joint Longitudinal Viewer and implement solutions.
No. 4
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The Under Secretary for Health ensures the Office of Primary Care and Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention improve continuity of care by confirming providers are educated on the navigation and retrieval of Department of Defense treatment records in Joint Longitudinal Viewer.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The Under Secretary for Health requires the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services/Chief Medical Officer to evaluate and update processes for identification of veterans with a history of opioid use disorder for the provision of opioid overdose risk mitigation strategies.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00488-81
|
Topics:  Claims and Appeals ● Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/28/2025

Update the reporting methodology used in public reports to reflect the total time veterans wait for a final claims decision when their higher level reviews require a supplemental claim be established and completed due to an error.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/28/2025

Revise and clearly state the measures used for calculating and reporting the average duration, from the filing of an initial claim until the claim is resolved and claimants no longer take any action under the Appeals Modernization Act claim, and ensure consistency with subsection M of the act.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02989-103
|
Topics:  Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2023

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure that healthcare system finance office staff and initiating services are aware of policy requirements to conduct reviews on all inactive open obligations and deobligate any identified excess funds as required by VA Financial Policy, vol. 2, chap. 5, “Obligations Policy.”

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/15/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure that healthcare system finance office staff and initiating services that healthcare system staff are conducting finance quality assurance reviews of obligations that were inactive for more than 90 days, as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1733, “VHA Finance Quality Assurance Reviews.”

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/30/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure cardholders comply with record retention, prior approval, and purchase card reconciliation requirements as required by VA Financial Policy, vol. 16, chap. 1B, “Government Purchase Card for Micro-Purchases.”

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/30/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure cardholders verify that vendors have removed all state and local sales taxes from orders, if applicable.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/30/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure authorizing officials implement internal controls over government purchase card activities to ensure compliance with the Government Purchase Card Program.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/20/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to establish internal controls to help ensure the healthcare system monitors the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor formulary for updates, converts supplies to the prime vendor in the item master file, identifies the prime vendor as the mandatory source for these items in the Generic Inventory Package, and properly sets up Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor supply items in VA’s ordering system.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/30/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to develop a plan to improve collaboration with the prime vendor and its on-site representative to ensure adequate stock is available to meet orders, reduce the need for the healthcare system to use nonprime vendors, and communicate the healthcare system’s usage and in-stock timing needs.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/1/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure a qualified Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor contracting officer’s representative is appointed and performs the required delegated duties.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/15/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to establish internal controls to help ensure the healthcare system submits national contract waivers and justifications prior to purchasing available formulary items from nonprime vendor sources.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2023

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to ensure that prime vendor contract performance issues are routinely reported to the Medical Supplies Program Office and Strategic Acquisition Center using established Veterans Health Administration reporting tools.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2023

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to develop formalized processes for monitoring and achieving identified efficiency targets and use available pharmacy data to make business decisions.

No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/16/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to develop and implement a plan to achieve an inventory turnover rate closer to the Veterans Health Administration’s recommended level.

No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2023

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director to develop and implement a plan to report the results of facility-based inventory audits of noncontrolled drug line items, and any follow-up actions taken, as required by Veterans Health Administration policy.

No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/16/2024

The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System director establish processes to ensure compliance with the Veterans Health Administration directive which requires that B09 reconciliations are signed by the lead pharmacy technician and include appropriate supporting documentation.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 44,170,312.00
Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-03483-133
|
Topics:  Patient Safety

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/1/2024

The West Texas VA Health Care System Director ensures that community living center nursing staff are trained on their roles, responsibilities, and necessary actions when responding to a medical emergency.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/1/2024

The West Texas VA Health Care System Director certifies that mock codes are completed within the community living center at regular intervals and include all community living center nursing staff.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/20/2023

The West Texas VA Health Care System Director ensures that documentation requirements are met by community living center clinical staff and monitors compliance.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02961-71
|
Topics:  Information Technology and Security

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Information and Technology (OIT)
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer implement a more effective vulnerability management program to identify all critical security deficiencies on the network and to remediate vulnerabilities within policy timelines.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/8/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer implement a more effective inventory process to identify network devices.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 11/28/2023

The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer implement processes to prevent the use of prohibited software on agency devices.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/11/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer test the emergency power bypass during annual uninterruptible power supply testing and document results.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 1/15/2025

The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer ensure network segmentation controls are applied to all network segments with medical devices and special-purpose systems.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/8/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer ensure access authorization memorandums are present in all communication rooms.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/8/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer ensure that physical access for the data center and communication rooms are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/8/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer ensure visitor access records are available and reviewed on a quarterly basis.
No. 9
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The St. Cloud VA Medical Center director ensure video surveillance systems are operational and monitored for the data center.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2024

The St. Cloud VA Medical Center director ensure communication rooms with infrastructure equipment have adequate environmental controls.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00228-127
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/7/2023

The Chief Medical Officer evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Medical Executive Board recommends continuation of privileges based, in part, on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation results.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/2/2024

The Chief Medical Officer evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers complete Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluations on the same day as patients’ positive suicide risk screens.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00046-126
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Patient Safety

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The Executive Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Executive Leadership Board recommends, implements, and monitors improvement actions.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/7/2023
The Executive Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Protected Peer Review Committee recommends improvement actions for Level 3 peer reviews.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/17/2024

The Executive Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff either conduct an individual root cause analysis for all events receiving an actual or potential safety assessment code score of three or include the events in an aggregated review.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/2/2024

The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers with similar training and privileges complete licensed independent practitioners’ Focused Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/2/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs recommend licensed independent practitioners’ continued privileges based on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation activities.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/7/2023
The Assistant Director determines the additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff maintain, inspect, and test biomedical equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/18/2025

The Associate Director and Associate Director, Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure staff remove supplies from shipping cartons and corrugated boxes prior to putting them in clean storage areas.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02960-70
|
Topics:  Information Technology and Security

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/3/2023
Verify and make necessary corrections to the systems’ component inventory in the VA’s Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/27/2024

Improve vulnerability management processes to ensure system changes occur within organization timelines.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 3/31/2025

Develop and approve an authorization to operate for the special-purpose system.

No. 4
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Validate that appropriate physical and environmental security measures are implemented and functioning as intended.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00038-125
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/26/2023

The Executive Director evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures leaders conduct and accurately document institutional disclosures for applicable sentinel events.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/26/2023

The Assistant Director Clinical Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures mental health staff attempt weekly follow-up until care is established for patients discharged from the emergency department who are at intermediate or high acute or chronic risk of suicide.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00237-124
|
Topics:  Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/23/2024

The under secretary for benefits reduces improper and unknown payments to below 10 percent for the Pension Program.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/23/2024

The under secretary for health reduces improper and unknown payments to below 10 percent for the Purchased Long-Term Services and Supports Program.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-03598-92
|
Topics:  System Development and Implementation

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2024

Director of the Veterans Transportation Program determines what system changes are needed to meet auto-adjudication goals and implement these changes.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2024

Director of the Veterans Transportation Program conducts outreach to users, solicits feedback, and considers whether system changes are needed based on feedback, to increase self-service portal usage.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/23/2024

Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations create an action plan to phase out continued use of the VistA beneficiary travel function.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2024

Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations coordinates with the veteran’s health administration office of finance and assess whether duplicate payments were made to veterans requesting travel reimbursement since the new system went live.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-03233-122
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Video

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
The District Director determines reasons clinical quality review remediation plans did not include documentation of deficiency resolution and the time frame for resolution for the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.
No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director determines reasons for lack of evidence that clinical quality review deficiencies were resolved at the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director determines reasons administrative quality review remediation plans were not completed at the Beckley and Bucks County Vet Centers, ensures completion, and monitors compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
The District Director determines the reasons administrative quality review remediation plans do not include the Deputy District Director’s approval and date of approval as required, and ensures compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2025

The District Director determines reasons administrative quality review remediation plans did not include documentation of deficiency resolution and the time frame for resolution for the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2025

The District Director determines reasons for lack of evidence for administrative quality review deficiency resolution for the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
The District Director ensures completion of a morbidity and mortality review for the death by homicide, and ensures all future morbidity and mortality reviews are completed as required.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The District Director ensures the intake portion of the psychosocial assessment is completed, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The District Director ensures suicide risk assessments are completed on the first clinical visit, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/15/2024

The District Director ensures clinical staff consult and coordinate care with the support VA medical facility for shared clients flagged as high risk for suicide, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 11
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director verifies clinical staff follow confidentiality requirements when consulting and coordinating care with the support VA medical facility for shared clients at high risk for suicide, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/15/2024

The District Director confirms clinical staff make timely notification to the suicide prevention coordinator at the support VA medical facility for clients with significant safety risks, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/15/2024

The District Director ensures clinical staff complete safety plans for clients that are assessed at intermediate or high suicide risk level in either acute, chronic, or both categories as required, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/19/2025

The District Director ensures clinical staff consult with the vet center director, external clinical consultant, associate district director for counseling, or support VA medical facility mental health provider following a client’s suicide risk assessment as required, and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The District Director, in collaboration with the support VA medical facility clinical or administrative liaisons, determines the reasons for noncompliance with staff participation on the mental health council for the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers, and takes actions as indicated to ensure compliance with Readjustment Counseling Service requirements.

No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director determines the reasons for noncompliance with critical event plans with desktop reference at the Center City and Northeast Philadelphia Vet Centers, and takes actions as indicated to ensure compliance with Readjustment Counseling Service requirements.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
The District Director determines reasons for noncompliance with the appointment of a clinical liaison at the Scranton Vet Center, ensures assignment of a mental health professional as liaison, and monitors compliance.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director determines reasons for noncompliance with a process for completing and tracking four hours of external clinical consultation per month at the Center City, Scranton, and Northeast Vet Centers; ensures Vet Center Directors implement processes; and monitors compliance.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director determines reasons for noncompliance with staff supervision provided by vet center directors at the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers; ensures staff supervision occurs as required; and monitors compliance.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director verifies and determines reasons for noncompliance with monthly chart audits at the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers; ensures chart audits are completed as required; and monitors compliance.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The District Director determines reasons employees at the Center City, Huntington, Northeast, and Scranton Vet Centers did not complete required trainings; ensures all staff complete mandatory trainings; and monitors compliance.

No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance with tactile (braille) signage at the Center City, Huntington, and Northeast Vet Centers, and ensures all exit doors are compliant with Architectural Barriers Act Standards.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
The District Director reviews reasons for noncompliance with securing confidential and sensitive information at the Center City Vet Center, and ensures all vet center employees safely and securely store protected health information.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/11/2024

The District Director reviews reasons for noncompliance with having a current and comprehensive emergency and crisis plan at the Center City and Northeast Vet Centers, ensures completion of a current and comprehensive emergency and crisis plan, and monitor’s compliance.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-03269-123
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Video

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director determines reasons clinical quality review remediation plans did not include documentation of deficiency resolution and the time frame for resolution for the Baltimore, Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.
No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director determines reasons for lack of evidence for clinical quality review deficiency resolution for the Baltimore, Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
The District Director determines reasons the administrative quality review remediation plan was not completed for one vet center within the zone, ensures completion, and monitors compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2025

The District Director determines reasons administrative quality review remediation plans did not include documentation of deficiency resolution and the time frame of resolution for the Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2025

The District Director determines reasons for lack of evidence for administrative quality review deficiency resolution for the Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers; takes indicated actions to ensure completion; and monitors compliance.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2024

The District Director ensures the intake portion of the psychosocial assessment is completed and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2024

The District Director ensures suicide risk assessments are completed on the first clinical visit and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 8
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director ensures clinical staff consult and coordinate care with the support VA medical facility for shared clients flagged as high risk for suicide and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.
No. 9
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director verifies clinical staff follow confidentiality requirements when consulting and coordinating care with the support VA medical facility for shared clients at high risk for suicide and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2025

The District Director ensures clinical staff complete safety plans for clients that are assessed at intermediate or high suicide risk level in either acute, chronic, or both categories as required; and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2025

The District Director ensures clinical staff consult with the vet center director, external clinical consultant, associate district director for counseling, or support VA medical facility mental health provider following a client’s suicide risk assessment as required; and monitors compliance across all zone vet centers.

No. 12
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The District Director, in collaboration with the support VA medical facility clinical or administrative liaisons, determines the reasons for noncompliance with staff participation on the mental health council for the Baltimore, Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers; and takes action as indicated to ensure compliance with Readjustment Counseling Services requirements.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/23/2024

The District Director determines reasons for noncompliance with High Risk Suicide Flag SharePoint site requirements and the tracking of continuity of care for clients at risk at the Raleigh Vet Center and takes action to ensure requirements are met, and monitors compliance.

No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director determines reasons the Raleigh and Richmond Vet Center Directors did not have accurate knowledge of type of clients on the High Risk Suicide Flag SharePoint site, takes actions to ensure vet center directors incorporate relevant information from the SharePoint site to safely disposition clients, and monitors compliance.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/23/2024

The District Director determines the reasons for noncompliance with staff access to critical event plans that included a desktop reference at the Baltimore and Dundalk Vet Centers and takes actions as indicated to ensure compliance with Readjustment Counseling Service requirements.

No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/23/2024

The District Director determines reasons for noncompliance with a process for completing and tracking four hours of external clinical consultation per month at the Baltimore, Dundalk, and Raleigh Vet Centers; ensures vet center directors implement processes; and monitors compliance.

No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director determines reasons for noncompliance with staff supervision provided by vet center directors at the Baltimore and Dundalk Vet Centers, ensures staff supervision occurs as required, and monitors compliance.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director verifies and determines reasons for noncompliance with monthly chart audits at the Baltimore, Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers; ensures chart audits are completed as required; and monitors compliance.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2024

The District Director determines reasons employees at the Baltimore, Dundalk, Raleigh, and Richmond Vet Centers did not complete required trainings; ensures all staff complete mandatory trainings; and monitors compliance.

No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance with a presentable exterior at the Richmond Vet Center and ensures all exterior grounds are in good repair.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/4/2023
The District Director evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance with tactile (braille) signage at the Baltimore, Dundalk, and Raleigh Vet Centers and ensures all exit doors are compliant with Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2024

The District Director reviews reasons for noncompliance with maintaining a current and comprehensive emergency and crisis plan at the Raleigh and Richmond Vet Centers and ensures all emergency and crisis plans are updated and comprehensive as required.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00048-120
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Director evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance and ensures leaders evaluate sentinel events and conduct institutional disclosures when criteria are met.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that for all events assigned an actual or potential safety assessment code score of three, staff either complete an individual root cause analysis or include the event in an aggregated patient safety review.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures clinical managers use Focused Professional Practice Evaluation criteria that are defined in advance and accepted by the practitioner.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain clinical managers define time frames for Focused Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and verifies that the Medical Executive Council’s meeting minutes consistently reflect the data reviewed for licensed independent practitioners’ re-privileging requests and the rationale for the recommendations.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00052-121
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs define Focused Professional Practice Evaluation criteria in advance using objective criteria accepted by the licensed independent practitioner.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/8/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs establish service-specific criteria in the Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/16/2023

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs base determinations to continue current privileges on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation activities.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2024

The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff remove sterile supplies from storage when the packaging is damaged or compromised.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/23/2023
The Associate Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff keep clinical areas in good repair and maintain a safe and clean environment throughout the healthcare system.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/16/2023

The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff post notices in areas that are subject to photography or video recording.