All Reports

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore
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21-00283-173
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Topics:  Patient Safety ● Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncomplianceand ensures that peer reviewers use at least one of the nine aspects of care forevaluations.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and ensures that the Peer Review Committee recommendsimprovement actions for Level 3 peer reviews.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/22/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and makes certain that the Peer Review Committee completes finalpeer reviews within 120 calendar days from the date it is determined a peer reviewis required, or the System Director approves any necessary extensions in writing.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2023
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and make certain that staff monitor and evaluate all transfers as part of VHA’s Quality Management Program.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2023
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate anddetermine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure that transferringproviders complete all elements of the VA Inter-Facility Transfer Form or afacility-defined equivalent note in the electronic health record.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2023
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure that transferring providers send patients’ active medication lists to receiving facilities during inter-facility transfers.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2024

The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that nurse-to-nurse communication occurs between sending and receiving facilities.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/10/2024

The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures employees complete all required prevention and management of disruptive behavior training based on the risk level assigned to their work area.

Financial Efficiency Review of the VA El Paso Healthcare System in Texas and New Mexico
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21-02197-165
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Topics:  Financial Management

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2022
Ensure healthcare system finance office staff are made aware of policy requirements for open obligations and the responsible healthcare system finance office conducts reviews on all open obligations as required by VA Financial Policies and Procedures, Volume II, Chapter 5, “Obligations Policy,” October 2020.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/6/2023
Establish procedures to ensure cardholders comply with record retention and transaction-processing requirements as stated in VA’s Financial Policy, vol. XVI, “Charge Card Program.”
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
Develop a plan to work with the prime vendor to address having adequate stock to meet orders, reducing the need for the healthcare system to use nonprime vendors.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2022
Ensure the healthcare system follows the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor-Next Generation ordering hierarchy and purchases items from the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor-Next Generation contract before using other sources.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2022
Ensure the healthcare system elects and is granted a delivery method that meets just-in-time requirements.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
Ensure the healthcare system submits Medical Surgical Prime Vendor-Next Generation waiver requests and obtains approval before purchasing available formulary items from nonprime vendor sources.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2022
Ensure logistics staff and contracting officer’s representatives use all the tools available to inform the Medical Supplies Program Office and Strategic Acquisition Center of prime vendor performance issues.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2022
Develop formalized processes for achieving identified efficiency targets and use available pharmacy data to make business decisions.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2022
Educate non-VA providers on prescribing lower-cost drugs.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/4/2023
Develop and implement a plan to increase inventory turnover to the Veterans Health Administration-recommended level.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
Develop and implement a plan to complete facility-based inventory audits of noncontrolled drug line items in compliance with Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/4/2023
Develop a plan to ensure that appropriate metrics for monitoring compliance with Veterans Health Administration policy are calculated correctly in the Pharmacy Benefits Management inventory reporting tool.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 185,533.00
Contract Medical Exam Program Limitations Put Veterans at Risk for Inaccurate Claims Decisions
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21-01237-127
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Topics:  Claims and Medical Exams

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2023
Assess and modify contracts and any renewals to ensure that vendors can be heldaccountable for unsatisfactory performance by applying monetary disincentives.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2023
Assess and modify contracts and any renewals to ensure procedures are established for vendors to correct errors identified by the Medical Disability Examination Office.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2023
Implement procedures requiring the Medical Disability Examination Office tocommunicate exam errors to the Office of Field Operations and the regional officesand demonstrate progress in correcting the identified errors.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2022
Implement procedures requiring the Medical Disability Examination Office toanalyze all available error data and provide systemic exam issues and error trends tovendors.
Suicide Prevention Coordinators Need Improved Training, Guidance, and Oversight
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20-02186-78
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Topics:  Mental Health

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2023
Ensure program officials in collaboration with regional and local leaders address call management system data integrity issues before they use data to assess the management of referrals.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
Have the program office develop formal training and guidance for coordinators on how to use patient outcome codes and regional and local leaders ensure the training is completed.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
Ensure regional and local managers regularly review crisis line referral information in the electronic health records to verify coordinators are completing and documenting appropriate follow-up on referrals and the program office performs regular audits, monitors, reports upon, and initiates actions, as needed, to ensure compliance with and completion of referral follow-up.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2023
Consider guidance within coordinators’ training tools to clarify the expectations for coordinators to follow up on referred veterans who have been hospitalized in a non-VA hospital, admitted to an emergency department (VA and non-VA), or provided a welfare check.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
Have regional and local managers monitor coordinators’ call attempts to ensure they are interspersed over a three-day period and provide them with referral closure information to assist in their monitoring.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Beckley VA Medical Center in West Virginia
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21-00286-163
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Topics:  Suicide Prevention ● Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/2/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and makes certain that the Surgical Workgroup Committee meets atleast monthly.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/2/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and ensures staff complete mandatory suicide safety plan trainingprior to developing suicide safety plans.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/2/2022
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director/Patient Care Services evaluate anddetermine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure staff send activemedication lists to receiving facilities during inter-facility transfers.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/2/2023
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures all staff complete the required prevention and management of disruptive behavior training based on the risk level assigned to their work area.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia
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21-00293-170
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Topics:  Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/2/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and ensures leaders conduct institutional disclosures for all sentinelevents.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2023
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Systems Redesign Coordinator participates on the Quality, Safety & Value Council.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and makes certain that the Facility Surgical Work Group meets atleast monthly.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons fornoncompliance and ensures that core members consistently attend Facility SurgicalWork Group meetings.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2024

The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure that the referring physician completes all required elements of the VA Inter-Facility Transfer Form or facility-defined equivalent note.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/16/2023

The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and make certain that required representatives attend the Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.

Deficits with Metrics Following Implementation of the New Electronic Health Record at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington
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21-03020-168
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Topics:  Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/28/2024

The Deputy Secretary completes an evaluation of gaps in new electronic health record metrics and takes action as warranted.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/9/2024

The Deputy Secretary completes an evaluation of factors affecting the availability of metrics and takes action as warranted.

Veterans Data Integration and Federation Enterprise Platform Lacks Sufficient Security Controls
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21-01123-97
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Topics:  Information Technology and Security

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No. 1
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 8/7/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer will ensure the Veterans Data Integration and Federation Enterprise Platform security objectives are all set at a categorization level of high based upon both the sensitive personal information maintained in the system and the approved risk assessment.
No. 2
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 8/7/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer will act to reestablish the Veterans Data Integration and Federation Enterprise Platform in the Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service to ensure appropriate security controls are implemented and the system is assessed at the high risk level.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 1/4/2023
The assistant secretary for information and technology and chief information officer will ensure the Office of Information Technology provides appropriate oversight and follows proper program management processes and protocols when establishing and monitoring security controls for IT systems.
Inspection of Information Technology Security at the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy in Dallas, Texas
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21-03305-139
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Topics:  Information Technology and Security

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/20/2022
Implement an effective inventory management system for all network segments.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 3/23/2023
Implement an effective vulnerability and flaw remediation program that can accurately identify vulnerabilities and enforce flaw remediation
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Develop and implement methods to ensure delivery, receipt, and understanding of assigned roles and responsibilities for local activities to ensure full implementation of approved policy.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Implement effective configuration control processes that ensure network devices maintain standards mandated by the VA Office of Information and Technology Configuration Control Board.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 1/14/2025

Remove or disable group accounts to comply with established requirements and criteria.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Ensure employees lock devices when they are unattended.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Implement database authentication processes that comply with National Institute of Standards and Technology standards and VA security requirements.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/20/2022
Implement a process to retain database logs for a period consistent with VA’s record retention policy.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Establish a process for validating and logging the sanitization of hard drives.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/20/2022
Implement parking barriers that meet VA Physical Security & Resiliency Design Manual requirements.
Inspection of Information Technology Security at the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy in Tucson, Arizona
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21-02453-99
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Topics:  Information Technology and Security

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Implement more effective inventory management tools for all network segments.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 9/29/2022
Implement a more effective vulnerability and flaw remediation program that can accurately identify vulnerabilities and enforce flaw remediation.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Develop and implement methods to ensure delivery, receipt, and understanding of assigned roles and responsibilities for Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy activities to ensure full implementation of approved policy.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 9/25/2023
Develop and implement a disaster recovery plan and capability that will restore operations in the event of a disruption to critical operations.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 6/1/2022
Task the facility manager to change the default username and password for the security camera system.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 9/29/2022
Request the Office of Information and Technology to configure audit logging on the misconfigured devices in accordance with established baselines, policy, and procedures.
Failure to Provide Emergency Care to a Patient and Leaders’ Inadequate Response to that Failure at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida
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20-04443-167
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Topics:  Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/13/2022
The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network Director ensures a review of the patient incident is conducted to determine whether further administrative action or reporting to state licensing board(s), or both, is warranted for facility staff involved in the incident, and takes action as appropriate.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/13/2022
The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Director ensures that Emergency Department nurses and Administrative Officers of the Day prioritize patient care before patient eligibility status when patients present with an emergency medical condition, holds staff accountable when violations occur, and monitors for ongoing compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/13/2022
The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Director ensures that Emergency Department nurse competencies are current, complete, and validated as required, and monitors for ongoing compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/13/2022
The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Director conducts an internal review of the Emergency Department Nurse Educator’s replication of the 2019 Ongoing Competency Assessments and attestation of competency completion to determine whether administrative action is warranted and takes action as appropriate.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/13/2022
The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Director evaluates the status of action plans referenced in this report and monitors the implementation and efficacy of action items to closure.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Veterans Integrated Service Network 2: New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network in Bronx, New York
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21-00240-158
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Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Chief Medical Officer evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain to review the credentials file and approve the VA appointment for physicians who had a potentially disqualifying licensure action.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Emergency Management Committee conducts annual reviews of the Emergency and Continuity of Operations Plans; Hazards Vulnerability Analysis; and Veterans Integrated Service Network-wide strengths, weaknesses, priorities, and requirements for improvement, and submits the reviews to executive leaders for approval.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/18/2022
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and appoints a permanent Veterans Integrated Service Network lead women veterans program manager.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that a lead women veterans program manager conducts yearly visits at each facility in the Veterans Integrated Service Network.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System in New York
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21-00299-162
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention ● Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that leaders identify adverse events as sentinel events when criteria are met.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that leaders conduct institutional disclosures for all sentinel events.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that staff complete final peer reviews within 120 calendar days or approves a written extension request.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Executive Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that staff complete mandatory suicide safety plan training prior to developing suicide safety plans.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2024

The Executive Chief of Staff and Associate Director, Patient Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure that appropriately privileged providers complete all elements of the VA Inter-Facility Transfer Form or a facility-defined equivalent note in the electronic health record prior to patient transfers.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Executive Chief of Staff and Associate Director, Patient Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure all required members attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Executive Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the Disruptive Behavior Committee documents decisions to implement Orders of Behavioral Restriction and patients’ notification of the orders in the Disruptive Behavior Reporting System.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/3/2024

The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff complete all required Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior training based on the risk level assigned to their work areas.

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York
|
21-00295-161
|
Topics:  Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Executive Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Chief of Staff attends Facility Surgical Work Group meetings.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Facility Surgical Work Group reviews National Surgery Office surgical quality reports.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2022
The Executive Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that a written policy is in place to ensure the safe, appropriate, orderly, and timely transfer of patients.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and make certain that staff monitor and evaluate all transfers as part of VHA’s Quality Management Program.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that transferring providers complete the VA Inter-Facility Transfer Form or a facility-defined equivalent note to include required elements in the electronic health record prior to patient transfers.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that transferring providers send patients’ active medication lists to receiving facilities during inter-facility transfers.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that nurse-to-nurse communication occurs between the sending and receiving facility.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/20/2023
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure the Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior Program representative attends Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2022
The Executive Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the annual Workplace Behavioral Risk Assessment includes participation by VA police and a patient safety representative.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2024

The Executive Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that staff complete all required prevention and management of disruptive behavior training based on the risk level assigned to their work areas.

VHA Continues to Face Challenges with Billing Private Insurers for Community Care
|
21-00846-104
|
Topics:  Community Care ● Financial Management

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/10/2025

Maximize opportunities to bill veterans’ private health insurers for recoverable claims by developing procedures that align and prioritize the processing of such claims to insurers’ filing deadlines.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Strengthen information system controls to make certain that complete and accurate claims information is transferred between applicable current and future Community Care payment systems and the Consolidated Patient Account Centers’ workflow tool and VistA patient treatment files.
No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Conduct an assessment to determine if staffing resources and workload are sufficiently aligned to process the anticipated volume of claims to be billed to veterans’ private health insurers and make adjustments as needed.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 805,200,000.00
Care in the Community Healthcare Inspection of VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23)
|
21-01820-159
|
Topics:  Community Care

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2023
The VISN 23 Director ensures implementation and sustainment of initial and annual home visits for patients accepted into the VISN 23 home dialysis program.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2023
The VISN 23 Director ensures the implementation and sustainment of quality monitoring of contracted clinical services for home dialysis.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/11/2023
The VISN 23 Director ensures that VA providers receive mammography reports from non-VA providers within the established acceptable timeframe.
Failure to Follow a Consult Process Resulting in Undocumented Patient Care at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center in Ohio
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21-03525-148
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Topics:  Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/16/2022
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures urgent care providers, chiropractors, and clinical massage therapists are educated on consult processes and procedures and the requirement of timely documentation.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/16/2022
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director conducts an internal review of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program processes related to patient care including receiving and reviewing consults, scheduling appointments, checking-in patients for care, and documentation.
Deficiencies in the Care of a Patient Who Died at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia
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21-01048-154
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Topics:  Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director reviews the primary care provider’s care of the patient in the year prior to surgery and takes action as indicated.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2022
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director ensures patient aligned care team nurses are aware of and comply with the Veterans Health Administration patient aligned care team policy including requirements for same-day access.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/18/2023
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director ensures patient aligned care team physicians are aware of and comply with the Veterans Health Administration directive regarding communication of test results to patients including time frames and communication of associated treatment plans.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2022
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director ensures that surrogates are assigned for patient aligned care team nurses while they are on leave.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director reviews the patient’s preoperative care, including additional quality reviews, and takes action as indicated.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director reviews medical-surgical unit nurses’ care of the patient and takes action as warranted.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2022
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director evaluates the use of the Trendelenburg position in inpatient areas and provides education to all facility nursing staff on the potential risks of and indications for use.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2022
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director ensures that all medical-surgical unit nurses demonstrate competency to provide adequate alcohol withdrawal care and monitors for compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director implements controls to ensure care provided by medical-surgical unit nurses is of an acceptable quality.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2023
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director ensures that the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center alcohol withdrawal treatment protocol is specific, does not conflict with physicians’ orders, and aligns with the probable onset of patients’ alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The Veterans Health Administration Needs to Do More to Promote Emotional Well-Being Supports Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
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21-00533-157
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Topics:  COVID-19

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/14/2023
The Under Secretary for Health reviews the processes by which COVID-19 emotional well-being resources were developed and disseminated and takes action as needed to increase and ensure Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility leadership as well as facility staff’s awareness of available resources about the potential risks and signs of burnout.
Joint Audit of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs Efforts to Achieve Electronic Health Record System Interoperability
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18-04227-91
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Topics:  Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM)

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)
Closure Date: 1/3/2023

We recommend that the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs review the actions of the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization Program Office and direct the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization Program Office to develop processes and procedures in accordance with the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization Program Office charter and the National Defense Authorization Acts.

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