All Reports

Deficiencies in Community Living Center Practices and the Death of a Patient Following Elopement from the Chillicothe VA Medical Center in Ohio
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20-01523-102
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Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● VA Police

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director consults with the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to review the classification and commitment of patients to the long-stay mental health recovery unit in the facility’s community living center, and makes recommendations to ensure the provision of safe mental health care to patients at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director conducts a comprehensive review of the patient’s calendar year 2019 mental health care, including psychiatric care and medication management, and makes recommendations to the facility, if indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director establishes a review process to ensure that community living center assessments clearly align the service offerings of the community living center with the individual needs of patients.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures development of a process to address the care needs of patients who are determined inappropriate for community living center admission.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director establishes a review process to ensure that community living center care plans are consistent with applicable Veterans Health Administration policy and communicated to the community living center staff caring for patients.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures all community living center long-stay mental health recovery unit staff receive mental health training and pass competency evaluations to provide care specific to the needs of the population served.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that all facility staff are trained on, and comply with, the facility policy concerning patient behavior management.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/22/2022
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that all facility community living center staff report near-miss and actual missing patient events to patient safety staff and monitors for compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that patient safety staff review reported events for patterns or trends indicating risks to patients with a need for mitigation and confirms that effective mitigation strategies are initiated.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures all facility community living center staff receive initial orientation on how to prevent and respond to missing patient events, activating all alerts and involving all relevant staff, as required.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director reviews the facility’s policy on missing patients, ensures that it clearly outlines actions staff should take to prevent missing patient events, and verifies that relevant staff are trained and knowledgeable about such actions.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that VA police officers receive training and resources to provide missing patient alerts to all facility staff and appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan
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20-01272-129
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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: 10/5/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Executive Quality Leadership Council recommends and takes action in response to identified problems or opportunities for improvement.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Chief of Medicine includes the minimum gastroenterology-specific criteria for ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent gastroenterology practitioners.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2022
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. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Provider Exit Review Forms are completed within seven business days of licensed healthcare practitioners’ departure from the medical center.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
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. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members consistently attend Women Veterans Health Committee meetings
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that standard operating procedures align with the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional 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. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services employees complete competency assessments that align with standard operating procedures and manufacturers’ instructions for use.
Federal Information Security Modernization Act Audit for Fiscal Year 2020
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20-01927-104
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Topics:  FISMA

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology consistently implement an improved continuous monitoring program in accordance with the NIST Risk Management Framework. Specifically, implement an independent security control assessment process to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls prior to granting authorization decisions.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved mechanisms to ensure system stewards and information system security officers follow procedures for establishing, tracking, and updating Plans of Action and Milestones for all known risks and weaknesses including those identified during security control assessments.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement controls to ensure that system stewards and responsible officials obtain appropriate documentation prior to closing Plans of Action and Milestones.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology develop mechanisms to ensure system security plans reflect current operational environments, include an accurate status of the implementation of system security controls, and all applicable security controls are properly evaluated.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology Implement improved processes for reviewing and updating key security documents such as security plans, risk assessments, and interconnection agreements on an annual basis and ensure the information accurately reflects the current environment.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved processes to ensure compliance with VA password policy and security standards on domain controls, operating systems, databases, applications, and network devices.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement periodic reviews to minimize access by system users with incompatible roles, permissions in excess of required functional responsibilities, and unauthorized accounts.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology enable system audit logs on all critical systems and platforms and conduct centralized reviews of security violations across the enterprise.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Office of Personnel Security strengthen processes to ensure appropriate levels of background investigations are completed for applicable VA employees and contractors and applicable investigation data is accurately tracked within the authoritative system of record.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Office of Personnel Security formalize the Position Descriptions and methodology used within the Human Resource business processes to ensure that employees with similar positions are required to have the same level of background investigation.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement more effective automated mechanisms to continuously identify and remediate security deficiencies on VA’s network infrastructure, database platforms, and web application servers.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement a more effective patch and vulnerability management program to address security deficiencies identified during our assessments of VA’s web applications, database platforms, network infrastructure, and workstations.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology maintain a complete and accurate security baseline configuration for all platforms and ensure all baselines are appropriately implemented for compliance with established VA security standards.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved network access controls that restrict medical devices from systems hosted on the general network.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology consolidate the security responsibilities for networks not managed by the Office of Information and Technology, under a common control for each site and ensure vulnerabilities are remediated in a timely manner.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved processes to ensure that all devices and platforms are evaluated using credentialed vulnerability assessments.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved procedures to enforce standardized system development and change control processes that integrates information security throughout the life cycle of each system.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology review system boundaries, recovery priorities, system components, and system interdependencies and implement appropriate mechanisms to ensure that established system recovery objectives are met.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology ensure contingency plans for all systems and applications are updated and tested in accordance with VA requirements.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement more effective agency-wide incident response procedures to ensure timely notification, reporting, updating, and resolution of computer security incidents in accordance with VA standards.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology ensure that VA’s Cybersecurity Operations Center has full access to all security incident data to facilitate an agency-wide awareness of information security events.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved safeguards to identify and prevent unauthorized vulnerability scans on VA networks.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved measures to ensure that all security controls are assessed in accordance with VA policy and that identified issues or weaknesses are adequately documented and tracked within POA&Ms.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology fully develop a comprehensive list of approved and unapproved software and implement continuous monitoring processes to prevent the use of prohibited software on agency devices.
No. 25
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology develop a comprehensive inventory process to identify connected hardware, software, and firmware used to support VA programs and operations.
No. 26
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved procedures for monitoring contractor-managed systems and services and ensure information security controls adequately protect VA sensitive systems and data.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center in Michigan
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20-01266-117
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Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures action items are fully implemented when problems or opportunities for improvement are identified.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that practitioners with similar training and privileges complete ongoing professional practice evaluations.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/24/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Provider Exit Review Forms are completed within seven business days of licensed independent practitioners’ departure from the medical center.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that suicide prevention coordinators complete suicide prevention safety plans within the required time frame and include contact information for professional agencies.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/23/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that employees complete annual suicide prevention refresher training
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the Women Veterans Health Committee meets regularly, appoints required members who consistently attend meetings, and reports to executive leaders.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Chief of Sterile Processing Services enforces the endoscopy clinic reprocessing area’s daily cleaning schedule.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/17/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that temperature and humidity ranges are monitored and maintained in the Sterile Processing Services main supply room and endoscopy clinic reprocessing area.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all staff who reprocess reusable medical equipment receive monthly continuing education.
Insufficient Veterans Crisis Line Management of Two Callers with Homicidal Ideation, and an Inadequate Primary Care Assessment at the Montana VA Health Care System in Fort Harrison
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20-00545-115
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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.
Quality of Colonoscopies in Multispecialty Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
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20-01386-107
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Topics:  Patient Safety ● Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/2/2022
The Under Secretary for Health clarifies requirements for colonoscopy quality indicators for professional practice evaluation and ensures a process is in place to monitor compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/17/2023
The Under Secretary for Health strengthens requirements for colonoscopy quality assurance monitoring that includes analysis of quality indicators to identify trends and monitors for compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/12/2022
The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with the National Gastroenterology Program Director, evaluates implementation of standardized endoscopy software across Veterans Health Administration facilities where colonoscopies are performed and takes action as indicated.
Deficiencies in Care and Administrative Processes for a Patient Who Died by Suicide, Phoenix VA Health Care System, Arizona
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20-02667-93
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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.
Alleged Irregularities Regarding Physician Incentive Compensation Were Not Substantiated
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19-00652-79

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2021
The Medical Center Director audits the Dental Service Chief’s relative value unit productivity metric for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and determines whether any erroneous payments for performance were made and issues bills of collection if deemed appropriate.
Review of Veterans Health Administration’s Virtual Primary Care Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
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20-02717-85
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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: 12/17/2021
The Under Secretary for Health evaluates veteran access to VA Video Connect, including availability of equipment and reliable internet connectivity necessary to use VA Video Connect, and takes appropriate action.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/17/2021
The Under Secretary for Health reviews the provision of veteran VA Video Connect training and support, and takes appropriate action.
View Alert Process Failures and the Impact on Patient Care at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Montgomery
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20-00427-92
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Topics:  Patient Safety ● Community Care

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/5/2021
The Under Secretary for Health maintains consistent acting or interim leaders and expedites hiring of permanent leaders at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The VA Southeast Network Director ensures continued collaboration with the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System to facilitate compliance with guidelines related to view alert management and monitors for ongoing efficiency and sustainability.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/5/2021
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director will continue to evaluate and assess the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System’s view alert management process, effectiveness of its action plan, and modify as indicated.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2022
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director ensures that initial and ongoing provider training and support for the clinical management of view alerts is provided, and monitors compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director issues guidance and ensures providers are trained on a clearly defined process for the designation of surrogates and the associated responsibilities, and monitors compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director evaluates the two cases discussed in this report to determine if an institutional disclosure or formal quality management review is needed and takes action accordingly.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director conducts a retrospective review focusing on the unmanaged abnormal laboratory test and imaging results to include those that have the most potential for adverse clinical outcomes to ensure patients received follow-up care as required by Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2021
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director conducts a retrospective review focusing on unscheduled community care consults that were discontinued after 90 days that have the most potential for adverse clinical outcomes to ensure patients received follow-up care as required by Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director ensures the development and implementation of a policy to address the communication of all test results to ordering providers, or designee, and to patients as required by Veterans Health Administration policy, and monitors compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/5/2021
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director ensures that audits of abnormal laboratory and imaging test results, and unscheduled community care consults that were discontinued after 90 days, are completed to verify providers have managed the associated view alerts, and monitors compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/5/2021
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Director ensures that pending actions are completed for the 33 patient cases with clinical issues referred to the system by the Office of the Inspector General.
Colonoscope Reprocessing at Multispecialty Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
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20-01387-89
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Topics:  Patient Safety ● Supplies and Equipment

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2022
The Under Secretary for Health requires facility directors ensure that staff who reprocess colonoscopes at community-based outpatient clinics complete initial training within the required 90 days prior to independently reprocessing equipment and maintain documentation.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2022
The Under Secretary for Health requires facility directors confirm that sterile processing services staff who reprocess colonoscopes at community-based outpatient clinics receive ongoing continuing education through monthly in-services and maintain documentation.
Handling Administrative Errors at the Chicago VA Regional Benefits Office in Illinois
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20-00102-73
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Topics:  Claims and Appeals

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/16/2021
The director of the Chicago VA regional benefits office ensure the errors identified by the review team are corrected.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/16/2021
The director of the Chicago VA regional benefits office monitor the effectiveness of the actions taken to improve the accuracy of administrative error corrections, and determine what additional measures, if any, are needed to make certain that claims processors understand how to apply national and local procedures for correcting administrative errors.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 67,000.00
Inadequate Oversight of the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Program’s Distribution Fee Invoicing
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19-06147-50
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Topics:  Supplies and Equipment ● Financial Management

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/23/2024

Direct the Medical Supplies Program Office to implement procedures requiring chief logistics officers at Veterans Integrated Service Networks to monitor facility processes for verification and certification of distribution fee invoices to ensure invoice accuracy prior to payment by the Financial Services Center.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/11/2025

Require Veterans Integrated Service Network directors to ensure their chief logistics officers develop distribution fee monitoring and review procedures for facility logistics audits and compliance reviews to ensure invoices are adequately reviewed, verified, and certified.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/31/2023
Require Veterans Integrated Service Network directors to ensure facility chief logistics officers and contracting officer’s representatives review and update the election forms according to contract requirements and provide copies to the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendors for acknowledgment.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/11/2025

Require Veterans Integrated Service Network directors to ensure facility contracting officer’s representatives verify that distribution fee rates match with those on the election forms and pricing schedule by comparing transaction data from the vendors to VHA-maintained transaction data, and reconcile payments as appropriate.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 3/25/2022
Require the Strategic Acquisition Center to develop and add modifications to the Medical/ Surgical Prime Vendor-Next Generation contract requiring prime vendors to provide reports to VA medical facilities with detailed medical and surgical transaction data, fee amounts, and fee percentage rates applied to each transaction on distribution fee invoices.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 3/25/2022
Require the Strategic Acquisition Center contracting officer to work with the Medical Supplies Program Office to ensure that Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor contracting officer’s representatives are assigned to each VA medical facility.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 5/2/2022
Require the Strategic Acquisition Center to appropriately modify the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor contract to define annual facility purchase as well as adding a provision for paying the annual facility purchase amount based on the estimated total spend until year-end reconciliation.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 5/2/2022
Require the Strategic Acquisition Center to also appropriately modify the Medical/ Surgical Prime Vendor contract to require the prime vendors—rather than the facility—to reconcile to annual facility purchases at the end of the year.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/31/2023
Require the Medical Supplies Program Office to establish policy that clearly defines the source VA medical facilities should use to estimate their annual facility purchase amounts and determine the year-end amounts.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/3/2024

Require VA medical facilities to review their on-site representative fees paid during fiscal year 2018 and future years to ensure they were paid based on the actual annual facility purchase amounts, consistent with the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor-Next Generation contract, and reconcile payment discrepancies as appropriate.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 3,700,000.00
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Veterans Integrated Service Network 7: VA Southeast Network in Duluth, Georgia
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20-00130-86

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/3/2021
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the development of a written policy that establishes and maintains a comprehensive environment of care program at the Veterans Integrated Service Network level.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2021
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures an annual review of the Emergency and Continuity of Operations Plans; Hazards Vulnerability Analysis; and collective Veterans Integrated Service Network-wide strengths, weaknesses, priorities, and requirements for improvement are submitted to executive leaders for review and approval.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2021
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the lead Women Veterans Program Manager provides quarterly program updates to executive leaders.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the lead Women Veterans Program Manager completes annual site visits at each facility.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2021
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the lead Women Veterans Program Manager completes assessments to identify staff education gaps related to women’s health and develops or adapts educational programs, materials, and/or resources where gaps are identified.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2021
The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Veterans Integrated Service Network-led facility reusable medical equipment inspection results are posted within the required time frame.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2021
The Network Director evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that facility corrective action plans are developed within the required time frame.
VBA Did Not Consistently Comply with Skills Certification Mandates for Compensation and Pension Claims Processors
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20-00421-63

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/10/2024

The under secretary for benefits creates written guidelines for tracking, identifying, notifying, registering, and exempting individuals required to take skills certification tests.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/10/2024

The under secretary for benefits establishes a tracking mechanism to ensure all eligible individuals required to take tests are identified and notified of testing dates at least 30 days prior to test administration.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/25/2023
The under secretary for benefits provides an update to the plan submitted to Congress explaining why all employees and supervisors who have claims-processing functions listed in the original plan are not subject to skills certification testing.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/10/2024

The under secretary for benefits implements a plan to ensure staff who failed their most recent skills certification test and remain in the same position are provided training from individual training plans to remediate the deficiencies in their skills and competencies.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/10/2024

The under secretary for benefits establishes an oversight plan to ensure training set out in approved training plans is provided to individuals who fail skills certification tests.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/5/2023

The under secretary for benefits notifies Congress of plans to take personnel actions against individuals who fail consecutive skills certification tests after remediation for the same positions in compliance with the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.

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