All Reports

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System in Oklahoma
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21-00253-239
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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: 9/2/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that credentialing staff complete primary source verification of all registered nurses’ licenses prior to initial appointment.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that staff complete suicide safety plan training prior to developing suicide prevention safety plans.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2022
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine additional reasons for noncompliance and make certain that all transfers are monitored and evaluated as part of Veterans Health Administration’s Quality Management Program.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/2/2021
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and make certain that required members attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/26/2022
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.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System in Muskogee
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21-00251-212
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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: 7/28/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff conduct institutional disclosures for all sentinel events.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/13/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and designates a systems redesign and improvement coordinator.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/28/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that required members regularly attend Surgical Work Group meetings.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/11/2022
4. The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the transferring physician records all required elements on the Inter-Facility Transfer Form or facility-defined equivalent note prior to patient transfers.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/11/2022
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that transferring providers send patients’ active medication lists to receiving facilities during inter-facility transfers.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all required members attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/15/2023
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the Disruptive Behavior Committee documents patient notification for an Order of Behavioral Restriction in the Disruptive Behavior Reporting System.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2023
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Employee Threat Assessment Team members complete the required training.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/7/2023
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.
Blue Water Navy Outreach Requirements Were Met, but Claims Processing and Procedures Could Improve
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20-03938-208
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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: 9/2/2021
The OIG recommendated the under secretary for benefits develop and distribute procedures for when the ship locator tool provides results based on deck log coordinates for unlikely locations of herbicide exposure.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/7/2022
The OIG recommended the under secretary for benefits determine and execute additional actions to ensure employees processing Blue Water Navy claims understand how to accurately evaluate and decide herbicide-related medical conditions.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/27/2021
The OIG recommended the undersecretary for benefits implement a plan for centralized regional offices to conduct local reviews on the accuracy of rating decisions involving herbicide-related medical conditions that will mitigate error trends identified.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 37,200,000.00
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island
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21-00265-231
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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: 4/28/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Systems Redesign and Improvement Coordinator tracks facility-level improvement capabilities and projects.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/28/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Surgical Work Group meets monthly.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2023
The Associate Director for Patient Care evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures nurse-to-nurse communication occurs between sending and receiving facilities.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System in Utah
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21-00254-213
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Topics:  Care Coordination ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The 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 prevention safety plans.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that inter-facility transfers are monitored and evaluated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures that appropriately-privileged providers complete or cosign the VA Inter-Facility Transfer Form or a facility-defined equivalent note prior to inter-facility patient transfers.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that transferring physicians send active medication lists to receiving facilities during inter-facility transfers.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/8/2022
The Associate Director of Patient Care Services determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures nurse-to-nurse communication occurs between sending and receiving facilities.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/9/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that staff complete the required prevention and management of disruptive behavior training.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Summary Report: Evaluation of Quality, Safety, and Value in Veterans Health Administration Facilities, Fiscal Year 2020
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21-01502-240
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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: 10/4/2022
The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network directors and facility senior leaders, ensures that facilities fully implement action items recommended by the committees responsible for quality, safety, and value oversight functions.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/9/2022
The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network directors and facility senior leaders, makes certain that facilities peer review all applicable suicides.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2023
The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network directors and facility senior leaders, ensures that root cause analyses include a review of the underlying systems to determine where system redesigns might reduce risk.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2023
The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network directors and facility senior leaders, ensures that facilities fully implement approved root cause analysis action items and outcome measures show sustained improvement.
Mismanagement of a Patient at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Wisconsin
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20-01917-242
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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: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director ensures that providers receive education regarding the management of alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens, and monitors compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director makes certain providers consider patients’ underlying cardiac risk prior to the order of haloperidol.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director conducts a comprehensive review of the patient’s cardiopulmonary resuscitation event to determine potential causes of failed oxygen delivery including systemic root causes and performance deficiencies, and consults with the appropriate Human Resources and General Counsel Offices to determine whether any personnel action is warranted and takes action.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director implements actions recommended by the Out of Operating Room Airway Management workgroup, and monitors compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director evaluates staff adherence to the Tomah VA Medical Center Policy MS-25, Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar) Protocol and the Standard Operating Procedure for Nursing Procedure, Symptom Triggered CIWA-Ar Protocol, and takes action to ensure compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director ensures inpatient medical unit providers and nursing staff compliance with patient restraint management, as required by to the Tomah VA Medical Center Policy, PCS-03, Restraint and Seclusion Use.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director monitors provider compliance with Tomah VA Medical Center Policy MS-06, Admission Criteria for Acute Medicine Unit.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director consults with the Office of General Counsel to ensure the Tomah VA Medical Center Policy PCS-SW-17 Emergency Detention is consistent with Wisconsin law.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director strengthens processes for staff to consider next of kin or family notification in the emergency detention of patients who may not comprehend their legal rights.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Tomah VA Medical Center Director ensures compliance with institutional disclosure procedures, as required by the Veterans Health Administration.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Aurora
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21-00246-228
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Topics:  Care Coordination ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/25/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Systems Redesign and Improvement Coordinator participates on the Quality Safety Values Executive Council.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/25/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Chief of Staff regularly attends Surgical Work Group meetings.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/25/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff complete suicide safety plan training prior to developing suicide safety plans.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines 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. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all patient transfers are monitored and evaluated as part of Veterans Health Administration’s Quality Management Program.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine the reasons for noncompliance and ensure that staff send pertinent medical records, including an active patient medication list, to the receiving facility during inter-facility transfers.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/11/2023
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.
Deficiencies in the Assessment and Care of a Patient Seeking Geriatric Services at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in North Carolina
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21-00371-222
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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: 10/5/2022
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director ensures that community health nurses evaluate patients referred for homemaker and/or home health aide services in accordance with Veterans Health Administration policy when determining patient eligibility.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2023
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director verifies that interdisciplinary assessments of homemaker and/or home health aide referrals are completed to determine patient eligibility for services.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2022
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director ensures that community health staff are trained on the eligibility criteria for homemaker and/or home health aide services.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2022
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director evaluates staff compliance with Veterans Health Administration and state of North Carolina commitment requirements, confirms staff understanding of required processes, and consults with the Office of General Counsel regarding state law, as warranted.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2022
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director ensures that providers consistently assess and document when patients lack decision-making capacity.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2022
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director ensures thatproviders consistently determine whether a patient has an identified healthcare agent when patients lack decision-making capacity.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2023
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director makes certain that patient aligned care team providers and outpatient psychiatrists are educated about initiating specialty care consults for patients.
Deficiencies in Coordination of Care for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in California
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20-03359-220
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Topics:  Mental Health ● Community Care ● Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/22/2022
The Under Secretary for Health requires that all community care providers authorized to provide ketamine or esketamine for treatment-resistant depression receive and review VA’s National Protocol Guidance on ketamine infusion and intranasal esketamine.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/25/2022
The Under Secretary for Health evaluates the need for conducting research on the use of ketamine and esketamine for treatment-resistant depression including the comparative efficacy of ketamine and esketamine, the effect of route of administration, therapeutic dose range, mechanism of action, and efficacy and safety of long-term treatment, and initiates research efforts as indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2022
The VA San Diego Healthcare System Director confirms that the facility’s Community Care Service takes timely actions to ensure that administrative processes for care authorization do not disrupt continuity of clinical care.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2022
The VA San Diego Healthcare System Director makes certain that the facility’s Community Care Service processes incorporate relevant clinical service input in decisions regarding authorization, denial, or discontinuation of care.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2022
The VA San Diego Healthcare System Director ensures that the facility’s Community Care Service processes incorporate a consistent mechanism for communication with Veterans Health Administration and community clinical providers and patients to facilitate well-timed coordination of care.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2021
The VA San Diego Healthcare System Director monitors implementation of the coordinated, clinically informed plans for continuing care when transitioning the remaining patients from ketamine treatment in the community to care at the facility.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Montana VA Health Care System in Fort Harrison
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21-00232-205
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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: 8/19/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Systems Redesign and Improvement Coordinator reports directly to the Director or one supervisory level below the Director.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Surgical Work Group meets monthly and core members consistently attend meetings.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Surgical Work Group reviews surgical deaths and National Surgery Office surgical quality reports, analyzes efficiency and utilization metrics, and recommends appropriate actions to the System Director.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2022
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that specific action items are implemented and monitored when problems or opportunities for improvement are identified.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2021
The System Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that credentialing staff complete primary source verification of all registered nurses’ licenses prior to initial appointment.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that staff complete mandatory training prior to developing suicide safety plans.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2021
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure all required representatives attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/30/2022
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.
Review of Veterans Health Administration Staffing Models
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20-01508-214
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Topics:  Staffing

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No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The Under Secretary for Health coordinates with VA to review the roles, responsibilities, and number of staff required for the VA and Veterans Health Administration offices involved in the development, validation, and implementation of staffing models, and ensure that staffing model-related efforts are prioritized and supported.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2025

The Under Secretary for Health coordinates with VA to evaluate the status of, and provide a timeline for, the development, validation, and implementation of Veterans Health Administration staffing models for all occupations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2025

The Under Secretary for Health coordinates with VA to evaluate the status of, and provide a timeline for, the implementation of HR Smart-related requirements referenced in VA and Veterans Health Administration policy, with a specific focus on the authorizations, vacancies, budgeted positions, and unbudgeted requirements at the facility, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and national levels.

Deficiencies in COVID-19 Screening and Facility Response for a Patient Who Died at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas
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20-03635-217
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Topics:  COVID-19 ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/15/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director evaluates the visitor standard operating procedures for patients who require mental or behavioral health support during COVID-19 screening, and takes action as needed.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director ensures that clinical staff screen and manage suspected COVID-19 patients according to Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Integrated Service Network 16 guidelines and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center policies.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/15/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director monitors compliance with the Veterans Health Administration requirement for Mental Health Intensive Case Management staff to identify and accurately document patients’ surrogates.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/15/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director strengthens processes to ensure Mental Health Intensive Case Management staff inform patients, families, and other support persons on the procedures for accessing medical and mental health care while navigating the COVID-19 screening and testing process, including visitor policies.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/15/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director ensures clinical and non-clinical staff comply with Veterans Health Administration and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center policies on missing and at-risk patients.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/15/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director monitors compliance with Veterans Health Administration policies related to timeliness and reporting of adverse events to the patient safety manager.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/15/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director ensures that issue briefs are initiated timely and are comprehensive, accurate, and updated as appropriate.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director ensures leaders complete root cause analyses within 45 days of leaders’ awareness of applicable adverse events.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2022
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director consults with the VA Office of General Counsel regarding the accuracy and content of the institutional disclosure to the subject patient’s family, and takes action as appropriate.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Western Colorado Health Care System in Grand Junction
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21-00247-210

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/17/2021
The Executive Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Quality Safety Value Board reviews aggregated quality, safety, and value data.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/17/2021
The Executive Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Quality Safety Value Board’s recommended improvement actions are fully implemented and monitored.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2022
The Executive Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that credentialing staff complete primary source verification of all registered nurses’ licenses prior to initial appointment.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/19/2022
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure all required representatives attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
Ineffective Governance of Prescription Drug Return Program Creates Risk of Diversion and Limits Value to VA
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20-00418-166
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Topics:  Supplies and Equipment

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health ensure that responsible VA medical facility personnel secure prescription drugs set aside for return credit either by following procedures outlined in VHA Directive 1108.07(1) or by adhering to a superseding policy.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health ensure that responsible VA medical facility personnel account for all prescription drugs set aside for return credit when they leave the medical facility either by following procedures outlined in VHA Directive 1108.07(1) or by adhering to a superseding policy.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health ensure that responsible VA medical facility personnel maintain inventory management practices to make sure drugs that are returned for credit are returned in a timely manner, so that medical facilities do not miss opportunities to maximize the value of their drug returns or reduce their risk of overspending to replace drugs prematurely returned for credit.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health takes steps to provide all offices and positions with defined national, network, or facility responsibilities for the drug return program or the administration of any future drug return contract(s), to include Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, Veterans Integrated Service Network pharmacist executives, network contracting officers, contracting officer representatives, and medical facility pharmacy chiefs, with the support, such as training, and the authority needed to carry out those responsibilities.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health makes sure that Pharmacy Benefits Management Services reviews the drug return contractor(s) data for accuracy, and uses this data to identify unusual reimbursement patterns and potential improvements for revenue recovery through the last invoices issued as part of the October 2018 Pharma Logistics contract, and for any future drug return contract(s); and coordinate with the National Contract Service on corrective action if inaccurate contractor data is identified.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health implements mechanisms to make sure that contracting officer representatives, if assigned, or Veterans Health Administration network contracting officers, provide oversight to ensure the contractor is performing in accordance with the terms of any future drug return contract(s).
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health, to minimize the risk of errors, makes sure that Veterans Health Administration network contracting officers when writing task orders off any future drug return contract(s) use a template with terms that align with any future drug return contract(s) developed by the National Contract Service.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC),Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2022
The OIG recommends that the under secretary for health coordinate with the VA Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction’s principal executive director, who should develop a task order template with terms that align with any future drug return contract(s) and require the National Contract Service to disseminate the template to Veterans Health Administration network contracting officers.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 14,907,365.00
Financial Efficiency Review of the Miami VA Healthcare System
|
20-01796-195
|
Topics:  Financial Management

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System develop a plan to work with the assigned prime vendor to address having adequate stock from the facility’s formulary list in its warehouse to provide supplies when ordered.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System ensure logistics staff use the tools available to inform the Medical Supplies Program Office of prime vendor performance issues.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/28/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System establish controls to confirm approving officials and purchase cardholders review their proposed purchases and make sure contracting is used when it is in the best interest of the government.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System require purchase cardholders to submit a request for ratification for any unauthorized commitments identified.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System develop checks on the successful completion of quarterly audits of the purchase card program as required by the Veterans Health Administration’s standard operating procedure, “Internal Audits—Purchase Cards and Convenience Checks.”
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System ensure cardholders comply with record retention requirements as stated in VA’s Financial Policy, vol. XVI, “Charge Card Program.”
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/28/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System develop measures to confirm completed VA Form 0242 submissions are accurate and updated for all cardholders
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System provide guidance on implementing the healthcare system policy “Resource Management Board,” including measurable objectives or clear criteria to determine if a service line is efficiently managing administrative staffing.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System establish controls to make certain that budget or accounting staff review the salary cost data each pay period and promptly address cost center corrections with human resources staff as needed.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System ensure service chiefs and supervisors review labor mapping for accuracy and completeness.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System continue to develop and implement a plan to increase inventory turnover closer to the VHA recommended level.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2022
The OIG recommended the director of the Miami VA Healthcare System establish measures to improve compliance with the VA directive to avoid end of year pharmaceutical purchases.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 328,000.00
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Sheridan VA Medical Center in Wyoming
|
21-00255-200
|
Topics:  Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Peer Review Committee recommends improvement actions for Level 3 peer reviews.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that credentialing staff complete primary source verification of all registered nurses’ licenses prior to initial appointment.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/7/2022
The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluate and determine any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensure all required members consistently attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
Challenges for Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators and Culture of Safety Considerations
|
20-01979-199
|
Topics:  Military Sexual Trauma

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/31/2022
The Under Secretary for Health evaluates the sufficiency of current guidance and operational status regarding protected administrative time, administrative staff support, and funding for outreach, education, and special project resources, with consideration of the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators’ responsibilities, and takes action as warranted.
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