All Reports

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the El Paso VA Health Care System, Texas
|
19-00033-11

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/16/2020
The chief of staff ensures that mental health service chiefs clearly define and communicate expectations for focused professional practice evaluations in advance with providers and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs include service-specific criteria in ongoing professional practice evaluations and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The facility director ensures the emergency management coordinator conducts an annual inventory of resources and assets and monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2020
The facility director ensures that an emergency operations plan that describes the response procedures to follow when emergencies occur is developed and maintained as required.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2020
The facility director confirms that primary care and mental health providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The chief of staff ensures that clinicians provide and document patient/caregiver education and assess understanding of education provided about newly prescribed medications and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that the Women Veterans Health Committee reports to leaders with signed minutes and monitors committee’s compliance.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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18-04667-13

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2020
The chief of staff ensures clinical managers initiate focused professional practice evaluations that clearly define criteria and communicate time frames in advance and monitors clinical managers’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2020
The facility director ensures that pharmacy staff who review monthly balance adjustments do not have electronic access to perform controlled substances balance adjustments and monitors staff compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2020
The facility director confirms that providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/24/2021
The chief of staff makes certain that clinicians provide and document patient and/or caregiver education about the safe and effective use of newly prescribed medications and evaluate understanding when education is provided and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2020
The facility director confirms that the Women Veterans Health Committee maintains an active charter, meets quarterly at a minimum, and reports to leadership with signed minutes and monitors committee’s compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/23/2020
The chief of staff ensures providers notify patients of abnormal cervical pathology results within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Manchester VA Medical Center, New Hampshire
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19-00040-10

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2020
The facility director confirms that the patient safety manager includes consideration of relevant literature in root cause analyses and monitors patient safety manager’s compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/11/2022
The chief of staff ensures that clinical managers document in practitioners’ profiles the focused professional practice evaluation criteria defined in advance and monitors clinical managers’ compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2020
The chief of staff ensures that professional practice evaluations include service-specific criteria and monitors compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2020
The chief of staff confirms that specialty providers’ ongoing professional practice evaluations include the minimum required specialty criteria and monitors compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that the facility’s Medical Executive Council reviews the professional practice data in the consideration to continue provider privileges and monitors compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2020
The chief of staff ensures that professional practice evaluations are completed by a provider with similar training and privileges and monitors compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/18/2020
The associate director ensures that a clean and safe environment is maintained throughout the facility and monitors compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2020
The facility director ensures that military sexual trauma coordinator communicates the status of military sexual trauma-related information to leadership and monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2020
The chief of staff ensures providers offer referrals for military sexual trauma-related services for patients with a positive screen and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/11/2022
The facility director confirms that primary care and mental health providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2021
The chief of staff ensures providers document indication for use for newly prescribed medications in patients’ electronic health records and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2021
The chief of staff ensures that clinicians provide and document patient/caregiver education and understanding of education provided about the safe and effective use of newly prescribed medications and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2021
The chief of staff ensures providers reconcile medication information and resolve discrepancies and monitors the providers’ compliance.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2020
The chief of staff ensures that ordering providers communicate abnormal results to patients within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2020
The facility director makes certain that the urgent care center is staffed with at least two registered nurses at all times of operation and monitors compliance.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2020
The chief of staff ensures that a backup call schedule is maintained for urgent care center providers and monitors compliance.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2020
The facility director ensures that support services necessary to care for patients are readily available to the urgent care center during all hours of operation and monitors compliance.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia
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19-00013-15

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The chief of staff ensures that managers consistently implement improvement actions recommended from peer review activities and monitors manager compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2021
The chief of staff ensures that final peer reviews are completed within 120 calendar days from the determination of the need for the review, or there is an extension approved in writing by the director, and monitors compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/21/2019
The facility director makes certain that a summary of the Peer Review Committee’s work is reviewed quarterly by the executive level medical committee and monitors compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2020
The facility director makes certain that all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data and monitors representatives’ compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/14/2021
The chief of staff makes certain that service chiefs define and communicate expectations for focused professional practice evaluation criteria in advance and maintain appropriate documentation of the processes and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2021
The chief of staff ensures that professional practice evaluations are completed by a provider with similar training and privileges and monitors compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2020
The associate director ensures a clean and safe environment is maintained throughout the facility and monitors team’s compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The associate director ensures the facility maintains an inventory of assets and resources available in the event of a disaster and that it is reviewed annually and monitors compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The associate director validates that the facility’s emergency operations plan includes all required elements and is reviewed annually and monitors compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain that the controlled substances coordinator submits monthly summary of findings and quarterly trends, that include discrepancies and vulnerabilities, to the director and monitors controlled substances coordinator’s compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/21/2019
The facility director makes certain that the appropriate quality management committee reviews the controlled substances monthly and quarterly reports at least on a quarterly basis and monitors compliance.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain the controlled substances coordinator conducts required annual competency assessments of the controlled substances inspectors and monitors the coordinator’s compliance.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain that controlled substances inspectors complete monthly physical inventories of controlled substances in storage areas on the day initiated and monitors inspectors’ compliance.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain that reconciliation of one day dispensing from pharmacy to every automated dispensing cabinet and one day return of stock to pharmacy from every automated dispensing cabinet is performed during monthly controlled substances area inspections and monitors compliance.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain the controlled substances inspectors and coordinator carry out all required responsibilities for the verification of controlled substances orders during monthly area inspections and monitors compliance.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain that controlled substances inspectors verify, during monthly inspections, there is a corresponding sealed evidence bag containing drug(s) for each destruction holding number listed on the “Destructions File Holding Report” and monitors inspector’s compliance.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director ensures that controlled substances inspectors complete verification of prescription pad inventories count during monthly pharmacy inspections and monitors inspectors’ compliance.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director ensures that the controlled substances inspectors verify evidence of written signature for non-electronic controlled substances prescriptions during monthly area inspections and monitors inspectors’ compliance.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director makes certain that controlled substances inspectors complete the verification of the 72-hour inventory and monitors inspectors’ compliance.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The chief of staff ensures providers complete mandatory military sexual trauma training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The facility director confirms that the committee responsible for Women Veterans Subcommittee meets quarterly and includes required core members and monitors committee’s compliance.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The facility director ensures that assigned staff implement a process to track and follow-up on findings from cervical cancer screenings and monitors staff’s compliance.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The chief of staff ensures that ordering providers communicate abnormal results to patients within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2020
The chief of staff ensures that a backup call schedule is maintained for emergency department providers and monitors the department’s compliance.
VHA Did Not Effectively Manage Appeals of Non VA Care Claims
|
18-06294-213

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/2/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure the Payment Operations and Management directorate identifies its facilities that receive appeals but do not have sufficient staff assigned to process them, and then promptly transfers unprocessed appeals from those facilities to a Payment Operations and Management appeals-processing facility to ensure they are processed.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/1/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure the Payment Operations and Management directorate updates communications to direct claimants to submit appeals to its facilities with designated appeals-processing staff.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2020
The Under Secretary for Health clearly define the roles and responsibilities of an accountable OCC official to oversee the Payment Operations and Management directorate’s appeals function.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure the Payment Operations and Management directorate implements and communicates effective policies and procedures for its staff to promptly process their pending appeals workload.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure the Payment Operations and Management directorate completely and accurately identifies and records its pending appeals inventory in a standard system of record and implements controls to effectively maintain the pending appeals inventory in the system of record.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/2/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure all Payment Operations and Management directorate appeals processors obtain access to Caseflow promptly, and that Caseflow includes fields that are necessary to effectively manage Payment Operations and Management appeals.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure the Payment Operations and Management directorate implements and communicates to all staff effective policies and procedures for processing and managing appeals under the new appeals process, including timeliness standards.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/2/2020
The Under Secretary for Health ensure the Payment Operations and Management directorate completes a comprehensive assessment of its appeals workforce and inventory, and then reevaluates its appeals staffing needs.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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18-04675-23

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs clearly define and share in advance the expectations for the focused professional practice evaluation process with providers and monitors the service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs include service/section-specific criteria in ongoing professional practice evaluations and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs’ determination to continue current privileges is based, in part, on results of ongoing professional practice evaluation activities and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/17/2020
The facility director ensures that the Medical Staff Executive Council documents consideration of focused and ongoing professional practice evaluation results in its decision to recommend approval of requested privileges and monitors the Medical Staff Executive Council’s compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/2/2020
The facility director makes certain that an adequate number of controlled substances inspectors are appointed in writing prior to performing inspector duties to a term not to exceed three years and monitors the compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The facility director ensures that a controlled substances inspector does not inspect the same controlled substances area for two consecutive months and monitors inspectors’ compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The facility director ensures that monthly reconciliation of one-day’s dispensing from pharmacy to every automated dispensing cabinet and one-day’s return of stock to pharmacy from every automated dispensing cabinet is performed during controlled substances inspections and monitors compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2021
The facility director ensures that the controlled substances coordinator refrains from conducting routine inspections of controlled substance storage areas and monitors inspector’s compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/2/2020
The facility director makes certain that the nursing staff complete the review of automatic dispensing cabinets’ override reports and monitors the program staff’s compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/2/2020
The facility director confirms that primary care and mental health providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that clinicians provide and document patient and/or caregiver education and assess understanding of education provided specific to newly prescribed medications and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2020
The chief of staff ensures clinicians review and reconcile patients’ medications and maintain and communicate accurate patient medication information in patients’ electronic health records and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/2/2020
The chief of staff ensures providers communicate abnormal cervical pathology results to patients within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
Deficiencies in Sterile Processing Services and Decreased Surgical Volume at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Newington and West Haven, Connecticut
|
19-00075-14

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2021
The Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director provides oversight for the timely implementation of Office of Inspector General recommendations directed to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2020
The Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensures the timely completion of hiring actions at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System until staffing deficiencies in Sterile Processing Services and Facility Management Services are fully resolved.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/2/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director ensures clinical leaders with working knowledge of and/or expertise in operating room, surgery, and Sterile Processing Services are included in the decision-making and resolution of Sterile Processing Service remediation efforts.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director ensures the development and implementation of a clear action plan to establish communication, foster collaboration, and restore system staff trust in system leaders, and, as necessary, consult with Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Organizational Development.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2022
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director provides oversight for the timely completion of the projects impacting Sterile Processing Services and Surgical Services that remain pending.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director ensures that the development, review, and revision of standard operating procedures is completed, and that a sustainable process is in place to maintain standard operating procedures.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/2/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director ensures that all Sterile Processing Services staff complete and maintain Sterile Processing Services training and competencies.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/2/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director ensures that Sterile Processing Services leaders maintain a staffing plan that includes an accurate number of authorized positions that is based on clinical and administrative workload and other appropriate measures, and includes contingencies for staffing areas with high attrition rates.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/2/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director ensures that surgery and anesthesia staff evaluate the readiness of all supplies and equipment for use before anesthetizing a patient.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2020
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director evaluates and reports the impact on and identified needs of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System residency program.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2021
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System Director works collaboratively with Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director to ensure the timely implementation of future Sterile Processing Services planned projects.
Two Patient Suicides, a Patient Self-Harm Event, and Mental Health Services Administrative Deficiencies at the Alaska VA Healthcare System, Anchorage, Alaska
|
19-00002-16

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director ensures that staff are educated and trained on missing patient policies and procedures, and monitors compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director makes certain that managers establish a unified Same Day Access Clinic policy, educates staff on the policy, and monitors compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/8/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director ensures a psychiatric coverage plan for the Same Day Access Clinic for all hours of operation that includes a contingency plan for psychiatric providers’ unavailability.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director establishes clearly defined Same Day Access Clinic hours that are consistent with the Same Day Access Clinic policy and signage.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/8/2020
The Northwest Network Director strengthens the Alaska VA Healthcare System leaders’ adherence to the scheduling directive reporting structure as required by the Veterans Health Administration.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director implements standardized clinically indicated date and return to clinic order procedures, and staff training, and monitors for compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director establishes a missed appointment policy, ensures that staff are educated on the policy, and monitors compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/8/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director facilitates the full implementation of a Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program, as required by the Veterans Health Administration.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director ensures staff training on the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator policy established on February 1, 2019, and monitors compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/16/2020
The Alaska VA Healthcare System Director establishes a behavioral health emergency policy, ensures that staff are educated on the policy, and monitors compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/8/2020
The Northwest Network Director ensures that the Alaska VA Healthcare System Director evaluates the culture, morale, and leadership issues identified by the alternative dispute resolution specialist in this report and takes appropriate action as necessary.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida
|
19-00011-255

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/22/2020
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs include service-specific criteria for ongoing professional practice evaluations and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2020
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs clearly define and share in advance the expectations, outcomes, and time limits for focused professional practice evaluations for cause with providers and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2019
The facility director makes certain that the pharmacy or nursing staff complete the review of automatic dispensing cabinets’ override reports and monitors the program staff compliance
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2020
The facility director confirms providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training no later than 90 days after assuming their position and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2020
The chief of staff ensures that clinicians provide and document patient/caregiver education about the safe and effective use of newly prescribed medications and assess understanding of the education provided and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2020
The chief of staff ensures clinicians reconcile medication information and maintain and communicate accurate patient medication information in patients’ electronic health records and monitors the clinicians’ compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2020
The facility director confirms that the Women Veterans Health Committee includes required core members and monitors committee’s compliance.
Records Management Center Disclosed Third-Party Personally Identifiable Information to Privacy Act Requesters
|
19-05960-244

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/13/2020
The Under Secretary for Benefits implements the Veterans Benefits Administration’s commitment to update its Privacy Act release policy and begin redacting third-party personally identifiable information.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/13/2020
The Under Secretary for Benefits ensures VA’s website is updated to reflect current Veterans Benefits Administration policy regarding release of third-party personally identifiable information.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2021
The Under Secretary for Benefits implements a plan to ensure the Records Management Center complies with requirements for mailing Privacy Act responses in accordance with VA Directive 6609.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/13/2020
The Under Secretary for Benefits establishes a plan to ensure that Records Management Center management receives a report for any site visit of the Records Management Center completed by the Veterans Benefits Administration and takes corrective action as needed.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/13/2020
The Records Management Center director implements a plan to improve quality reviews and ensures staff are held accountable for the accuracy of their Privacy Act releases.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Dublin, Georgia
|
18-04682-256

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director makes certain that all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data and monitors representatives’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director ensures the patient safety manager includes all required content in each root cause analysis and monitors patient safety manager’s compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The director ensures the Intensive Care Unit/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Committee conducts a complete analysis of resuscitative episodes that includes all required elements and monitors committee’s compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs define and communicate expectations for focused professional practice evaluations in advance and maintain appropriate documentation of the process and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that the service chiefs document the focus professional practice evaluation results in the practitioner profiles and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The chief of staff ensures that service chiefs include the minimum-required specialty-specific criteria for professional practice evaluations of gastroenterology and nuclear medicine practitioners and monitors service chiefs’ compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The chief of staff ensures that ongoing professional practice evaluations are completed by providers with similar training and privileges and monitors compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that the Medical Executive Committee documents its decision to recommend privileges based on professional practice evaluation results when recommending approval of privileges to the director and monitors committee’s compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director reports privileging actions taken by the facility to the National Practitioner Data Bank and monitors compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2020
The associate director ensures that the VA Police regularly test panic alarms and document results and monitors staff compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director makes certain that controlled substances program staff reconcile one day’s stocking/refilling from the pharmacy to each dispensing area and one day’s return of stock to pharmacy from every automated dispensing unit during monthly inspections and monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director confirms that the controlled substances coordinator ensures that written and electronic controlled substance orders have been verified and assessed for documentation of two signatures for any waste of partial doses and monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director makes certain that the controlled substances coordinator validates that monthly inventories of controlled substances are conducted as required in the pharmacy and monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/14/2020
The facility director ensures the development and implementation of a policy for automated dispensing cabinet medication overrides and reviews of these reports and monitors compliance.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The chief of staff confirms that the military sexual trauma coordinator communicates the status of military sexual trauma-related issues, services, and initiatives to facility leadership and monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/25/2021
The chief of staff confirms that primary care and mental health providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The chief of staff makes certain that clinicians provide and document patient and/or caregiver education and understanding of education provided about the safe and effective use of newly prescribed medications and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The facility director ensures the appointment of a women’s health medical director or clinical champion.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2021
The facility director ensures the facility has a Women Veterans Health Committee that has an active charter, meets at least quarterly, and reports to leadership with signed minutes and monitors committee’s compliance.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/14/2020
The facility director makes certain that facility staff implement a process to track and monitor cervical cancer screenings, results reporting, and follow-up care and monitors assigned staff compliance.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/14/2020
The chief of staff ensures patient notification of abnormal cervical results are completed within the required time frame and monitors compliance.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that a backup call schedule is maintained for urgent care center providers and monitors compliance.
FY 2019 Audit of VA’s Compliance under the DATA Act of 2014
|
19-07247-251

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer continue the system modernization efforts that provide VA with the capability to generate the required DATA Act reporting files containing the necessary elements to meet compliance with the DATA Act. Ensure the modernization will provide the following: a. Accurate reporting of object class, program activity codes, program activity names and all other elements required by the DATA Act. b. Store award identification to allow VA to be able to develop a File C and reconcile the File C to both summary level data (Files A and B) and award level data (File D). The reconciliations should be performed prior to the quarterly certification. c. Report reconciliation with its subsidiary systems. d. A mechanism to ensure transactions are reported that currently may be excluded due to the use of 1358s. e. Standardize data field use to allow for management to record an award ID across financial and supporting systems.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Ensure a DQP is finalized and implemented for future DATA Act submissions which meets the requirements for DATA Act reporting. In addition, the Office of Management, Office of Internal Control, and the Office of Enterprise Risk Management should ensure that the DQP supports the annual assurance statement and quarterly certification.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Implement a grants management solution that will be either integrated with the new financial system or interface into it once completed. The VA should identify a grants management solution that can be implemented across all of VA’s grant programs.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Work with the SAO and component level SAO’s to ensure that all certifications are signed, dated by the component SAO and received prior to the submission date.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Ensure that the four CFDA programs (64.014, 64.015, 64.026, and 64.024) report obligations according to the definitions established for FABS reporting or obtain OMB and Treasury’s approval for any deviations.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Ensure the Office of Budget implements monitoring controls over CFDA numbers to ensure any CFDA numbers that require activation are identified and activated promptly to avoid interruptions in expenditure reporting.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Research the basis for the delays in reporting expenditure data for FABS for the VHA Veterans Prescription Service program (CFDA # 64.012) and implement a corrective action plan for timely reporting going forward. The VA PMO should also seek an exemption from OMB and Treasury regarding the reporting delays for the program if no viable solutions are identified to mitigate the timing delays.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Obtain and document guidance from Treasury and OMB on the proper treatment of payments to contractors for VA’s Veterans Choice Program as either contract award (File D1) or financial assistance (File D2).
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Obtain and document guidance from Treasury and OMB regarding inclusion of payroll and contract costs in the FABS (File D2) and the duplication of the same contract costs in the FPDS-NG (File D1).
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Implement internal controls and update policies and procedures to improve the accuracy of and completeness of the information submitted for FABS reporting. The internal controls should ensure the following: a. Excluded payments not reported due to zip code issues are researched, cleared, and reported in VBA’s sub certification. b. The default code “90” for Congressional District is not used when the county or zip code are unknown; instead, perform research to obtain the required data. c. Support from Treasury and OMB on the proper reporting of face amount of insurance in its FABS submissions. d. The information submitted for each data element is adequately supported and readily available. e. All data elements are reported in compliance with the definitions established by the DAIMS.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Improve review procedures prior to submission to identify errors and ensure all transactions are included in procurement and financial assistance data.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Perform research to determine the extent to which 1358 transactions are not reported for File D1 and develop solutions.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Develop solutions and continue system modernization efforts to reduce the use of the default object class. Research and develop program activity crosswalk for medical services.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Strengthen procedures over the process to report all program activity names and program activity codes that are reported in the quarterly OMB MAX Collect Exercise in accordance with the latest Budget Data request requirements.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Reinforce guidance for Contracting Officers concerning areas where exceptions were noted in DATA Act reporting.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/12/2021
We recommend the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer Obtain OMB and Treasury approval for aggregating and reporting transactions based on beneficiary address. Ensure controls around the aggregation process are implemented and operating effectively.
Ophthalmology Equipment and Related Concerns at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida
|
19-07095-253

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/20/2020
The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Director ensures that Biomedical Section staff complete work order documentation accurately as required by facility policy and in accordance with Veterans Health Administration guidelines.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/20/2020
The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Director enhances efforts to improve equipment corrective maintenance completion times and that Biomedical Section staff communicate the status of repairs with end users.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/20/2020
The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Director takes action to improve the timeliness of eyeglass purchase order processing.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/1/2020
The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Director ensures that Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Service resolves the open eyeglass purchase order requests.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Fargo VA Health Care System, North Dakota
|
19-00018-252

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that all required representatives consistently participate in interdisciplinary reviews of utilization management data and monitors representatives’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2020
The chief of staff ensures that the Medical Executive Committee evaluates providers’ reprivileging requests based on ongoing professional practice evaluation results, and meeting minutes consistently reflect the decision to recommend continuation of ongoing privileges and monitors committee’s compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2020
The chief of staff ensures providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2020
The facility director makes certain that the emergency department is staffed by a minimum of two registered nurses during all hours of operation and monitors the department’s compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that the chief of emergency department maintains a written backup call schedule for emergency department providers and monitors emergency department chief’s compliance.
The Impact of VA Allowing Government Agencies to Be Excluded from Temporary Price Reductions on Federal Supply Schedule Pharmaceutical Contracts
|
18-04451-06

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No. 1
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 10/30/2019
Develop and implement a policy that prohibits restricted and agency-specific temporary price reductions on Federal Supply Schedule contracts, including procedures on how to process requests for temporary price reductions to ensure inclusion of all Federal Supply Schedule users.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 10/5/2020
Consult with VA’s Office of General Counsel regarding the legality of confidentiality provisions in Federal Supply Schedule contract modifications for temporary price reductions, specifically whether they are consistent with competition mandates of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 10/5/2020
Develop a written policy for temporary price reductions that exceed one year and are subject to renewal, specifically addressing how such long-term temporary price reductions should be considered when determining fair and reasonable pricing on contract extension or renewals.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 10/5/2020
Consult with appropriate legal authorities, including the Department of Justice, regarding the legality of unilateral Federal Supply Schedule contract modifications for temporary price reductions.
Failures Implementing Aspects of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
|
18-04968-249

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 7/1/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection directs a review of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection’s compliance with the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 requirements in order to ensure proper implementation and eliminate any activities not within its authorized scope.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 7/1/2020
The VA Secretary rescinds the February 2018 Delegation of Authority and consults with the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, the VA Office of General Counsel, and other appropriate parties to determine whether a revised delegation is necessary, and if so, ensures compliance with statutory requirements.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 1/19/2021
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, in consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Office of Inspector General, Office of the Medical Inspector, and the Office of Resolution Management establishes comprehensive processes for evaluating and documenting whether allegations, in whole or in part, should be handled within the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection or referred to other VA entities for potential action or referred to independent offices such as the Office of Inspector General.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 4/14/2021
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection makes certain that policies and processes are developed, in consultation with the VA Office of General Counsel and Office of Resolution Management, to consistently and promptly advise complainants of their right to bring allegations of discrimination through the Equal Employment Opportunity process.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 4/17/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection ensures that the divisions of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection adopt standard operating procedures and related detailed guidance to make certain they are fair, unbiased, thorough, and objective in their work.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to General Counsel (OGC)
Closure Date: 8/27/2021
The VA General Counsel updates VA Directive 0700 and VA Handbook 0700 with revisions clarifying the extent to which VA Directive 0700 and VA Handbook 0700 apply to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, if at all.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 7/1/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection assigns a quality assurance function to an entity positioned to review Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection divisions’ work for accuracy, thoroughness, timeliness, fairness, and other improvement metrics.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 1/19/2021
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection directs the establishment of a training program for all relevant personnel on appropriate investigative techniques, case management, and disciplinary actions.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 7/10/2020
The VA Secretary, in consultation with the VA Office of General Counsel, provides comprehensive guidance and training reasonably designed to instill consistency in penalties for actions taken pursuant to 38 U.S.C. §§ 713 and 714.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/19/2021
The VA Secretary ensures the provision of comprehensive guidance and training to relevant disciplinary officials to maintain compliance with the mandatory adverse action criteria outlined in 38 U.S.C. § 731.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 4/30/2021
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection makes certain that in any disciplinary action recommended by the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, all relevant evidence is provided to the VA Secretary (or the disciplinary officials designated to act on the Secretary’s behalf).
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 7/1/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection implements safeguards consistent with statutory mandates to maintain the confidentiality of employees that make submissions, including guidelines for communications with other VA components.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 3/11/2021
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection leverages available resources, such as VA’s National Center for Organizational Development and the Office of Resolution Management, to conduct an organizational assessment of Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection employee concerns and develop an appropriate action plan to strengthen Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection workforce engagement and satisfaction.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 9/24/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection develops a process and training for the Triage Division staff to identify and address potential retaliatory investigations.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 9/24/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection collaborates with the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, and the VA Secretary to develop performance plan requirements as required by 38 U.S.C. § 732.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 4/17/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection ensures the implementation of whistleblower disclosure training to all VA employees as required under 38 U.S.C. § 733.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 7/10/2020
The VA Secretary makes certain supervisors’ training is implemented as required under § 209 of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 3/18/2021
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection confers with the VA Office of General Counsel to develop processes for collecting and tracking justification information related to proposed disciplinary action modifications consistent with 38 U.S.C. § 323(f)(2).
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 3/18/2021
The VA Secretary in consultation with the Office of General Counsel and the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection ensures compliance with the 60-day reporting requirement in 38 U.S.C. § 323(f)(2) consistent with congressional intent.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 4/17/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection develops or enhances database systems to provide the capability to track all data required by the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 7/1/2020
In consultation with the VA Office of General Counsel, the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection completes the publication of Systems of Records Notices for all systems of records maintained by the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, and adopts procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection does not create additional systems of records without complying with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)
Closure Date: 9/24/2020
The Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection consults with the VA Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer to ensure adequate training and staffing of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection’s Freedom of Information Act Office, and establishes procedures to comply with FOIA requirements including timeliness.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, Harlingen, Texas
|
19-00035-247

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/15/2021
The chief of staff ensures that clinical managers define the focused professional practice evaluation process in advance and monitors clinical managers’ compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2021
The chief of staff confirms that clinical managers ensure ongoing professional practice evaluations include service-specific criteria and monitors clinical managers’ compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/30/2020
The chief of staff makes certain that service chiefs collect and review ongoing professional practice evaluation data and that the facility’s Clinical Executive Board reviews the data in the consideration to recommend continuation of provider privileges, and monitors compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2021
The chief of staff makes certain that clinical managers include required specialty-specific criteria in ongoing professional practice evaluations for solo/few gastroenterology practitioners and monitors clinical managers’ compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2021
The associate director ensures that facility engineers conduct weekly electrical system inspections and monitors compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/30/2020
The facility director makes certain that controlled substances inspection staff reconcile one day’s stocking/refilling from the pharmacy to each dispensing area and one day’s return of stock to pharmacy and that the controlled substances coordinator evaluates and maintains supporting documentation, and the facility director monitors coordinator’s compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/30/2020
The facility director ensures that the controlled substances inspectors verify documentation for two signatures for any waste of partial doses and monitors controlled substances inspectors’ compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/8/2020
The chief of staff ensures that providers complete military sexual trauma mandatory training within the required time frame and monitors providers’ compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2021
The chief of staff makes certain that clinicians assess and document the patient/caregiver’s understanding of education about the safe and effective use of newly prescribed medications and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2021
The chief of staff ensures clinicians reconcile medications and maintain accurate medication information in patients’ electronic health records and monitors clinicians’ compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/15/2021
The chief of staff confirms that the Women Veterans Health Committee includes required core members and monitors committee’s compliance.
VA’s Management of Mobile Devices Generally Met Information Security Standards
|
18-04608-212

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 9/9/2020
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Information and Technology enforce blacklisting or formally assess and document the approach of using training as the mitigating control to prevent users from downloading and using non-VA-approved applications.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 3/9/2020
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Information and Technology use configuration management tools to prevent premature or late updating of mobile devices or develop proactive policies and procedures to ensure users do not update mobile devices and applications until after the mobile device management team has conducted testing.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 9/9/2020
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Information and Technology validate that users of mobile devices are completing the required annual Mobile Training: Security of Apps on iOS Devices before user accounts are activated.
Mishandling of Veterans’ Sensitive Personal Information on VA Shared Network Drives
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19-06125-218

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT),Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 7/8/2020
The assistant secretary for information and technology and the under secretary for benefits provide remedial training to users on the safe handling and storage of sensitive personal information on network drives.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/17/2019
The assistant secretary for information and technology establishes technical controls to ensure users cannot store sensitive personal information on shared network drives.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 12/14/2022
The assistant secretary for information and technology implements improved oversight procedures, including specific facility-level procedures, to ensure that sensitive personal information is not being stored on shared network drives.
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