All Reports

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-02890-209
|
Topics:  Staffing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/20/2025

Execute the compliance plan for the Veterans Benefits Administration’s personnel suitability program.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/20/2025

Ensure the Veteran Benefits Administration’s personnel suitability program oversight verifies background investigations are initiated and adjudicated within prescribed timelines and that documentation is filed as required.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Closure Date: 7/31/2025

Establish a plan to ensure robust oversight of the National Cemetery Administration’s personnel suitability program that includes verifying background investigations are initiated and adjudicated within prescribed timelines and that documentation is filed as required.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Closure Date: 7/31/2025

Evaluate resource requirements for the personnel suitability program to ensure that all personnel suitability requirements are being met.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00386-265
|
Topics:  Care Coordination ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Everett and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors collaborate with the support VA medical facility to determine reasons for noncompliance with staff participation on the mental health executive council, take action as indicated, and monitor compliance.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Eugene Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with completing four hours of external clinical consultation for clinically complex cases per month, ensure a process is implemented, and monitor compliance.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

District leaders and the Anchorage, Eugene, and Everett Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with employees completing select trainings in the required time frame, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

District leaders and the Anchorage, Eugene, Everett, and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with completion of an outreach plan with all required strategic components, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

District leaders and Everett and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with fire or safety annual inspection, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Eugene and Everett Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with monthly fire extinguisher inspections, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Eugene and Everett Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with annual fire extinguisher servicing, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Eugene Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with having an automated external defibrillator located on-site and ensure compliance with the requirement.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Everett and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with monthly automated external defibrillator inspections, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Everett and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with building evacuation plans posted in a communal area for staff and visitors and ensure compliance with the requirement.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

District leaders and the Eugene and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with having an emergency and crisis plan that includes required components, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

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

District leaders and the Eugene, Everett, and Walla Walla Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with a desktop reference sheet outlining steps for ancillary office staff to follow in case of a suicidal or homicidal client, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00388-266
|
Topics:  Care Coordination ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/16/2024

District leaders and the Kauai Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with assigning a licensed mental health professional as a clinical liaison, ensure a process is implemented, and monitor compliance.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

District leaders and the Corona, Temecula, Kauai, and Western Oahu Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with completing four hours of external clinical consultation for clinically complex cases per month, ensure a process is implemented, and monitor compliance.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Western Oahu Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with Vet Center Director review of 10 percent of active client records monthly for each counselor’s caseload, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/16/2025

District leaders and the Corona, Temecula, Kauai, and Western Oahu Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with employees completing select trainings in the required time frame, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Western Oahu Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with completion of a current written outreach plan, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

The District Director and zone leaders, in conjunction with the Corona, Temecula, and Kauai Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with completion of an outreach plan with all required strategic components, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/25/2025

District leaders and Western Oahu Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with fire or safety annual inspection, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/25/2025

District leaders and the Corona, Temecula, and Western Oahu Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with having an annual risk and vulnerability assessment completed by VA police or local law enforcement, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Temecula and Western Oahu Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with monthly fire extinguisher inspections, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Temecula Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with annual fire extinguisher servicing, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 11
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

District leaders and the Corona, Temecula, and Kauai Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with having an automated external defibrillator located on-site and ensure compliance with the requirement.

No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Western Oahu Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with monthly automated external defibrillator inspections, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

District leaders and the Kauai and Western Oahu Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with having an updated emergency and crisis plan that includes required components, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/16/2024

District leaders and the Western Oahu Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with a desktop reference sheet outlining steps for ancillary office staff to follow in case of a suicidal or homicidal client, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00389-267
|
Topics:  Care Coordination ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2025

District leaders and the Phoenix and West Valley Vet Center Director collaborate with the support VA medical facility to determine reasons for noncompliance with staff participation on the mental health executive council, take action as indicated, and monitor compliance.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2025

District leaders and the Antelope Valley, Phoenix, and West Valley Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with completing four hours of external clinical consultation for clinically complex cases per month, ensure a process is implemented, and monitor compliance.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2024

District leaders and the West Valley Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with Vet Center Director review of 10 percent of active client records monthly for each counselor’s caseload, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2025

District leaders and the Antelope Valley Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with employees completing select trainings in the required time frame, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2025

District leaders and the Antelope Valley, Phoenix, Santa Fe, and West Valley Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with completion of an outreach plan with all required strategic components, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2025

District leaders and the Santa Fe Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with having an annual risk and vulnerability assessment completed by VA police or local law enforcement, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2025

District leaders and the Antelope Valley Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with monthly fire extinguisher inspections, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2025

District leaders and the Antelope Valley and Santa Fe Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with having an automated external defibrillator located on-site and ensure compliance with the requirement.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2025

District leaders and the Phoenix and Santa Fe Vet Center Directors determine reasons for noncompliance with having an emergency and crisis plan that includes required components, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2024

District leaders and the Santa Fe Vet Center Director determine reasons for noncompliance with a desktop reference sheet outlining steps for ancillary office staff to follow in case of a suicidal or homicidal client, ensure completion, and monitor compliance.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-03679-262
|
Topics:  Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times ● Community Care

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/3/2025

The New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network Director conducts a review of system leaders’ responses to repeated concerns regarding delayed community care consult scheduling for patients with serious health conditions to determine whether leaders’ actions were in alignment with patient safety and high reliability organizational principles, and take action as warranted.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2025

The New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network Director ensures VA Western New York Health Care System Director develops community care consult practices and procedures for managing consults deemed high-risk or complex, implements an effective process to ensure consistency with processing consults within Veterans Health Administration timeliness requirements, and audits for compliance.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2025

The VA Western New York Health Care System Director ensures system community care leaders develop and implement standardized operating procedures for consult management consistent with Veterans Health Administration standards, provide training to community care staff, monitor compliance, and evaluate effectiveness.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/27/2024

The VA Western New York Health Care System Director ensures all efforts to conduct an institutional disclosure to Patient A’s family are made and that the disclosure is documented in the patient’s electronic health record, as required.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-02393-250
|
Topics:  Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/4/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director conducts a full review of care provided to the patient by clinical staff, consults with Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes action as needed.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director strengthens processes to ensure that providers provide patient education about applicable boxed warnings when prescribing psychiatric medication, and monitors compliance.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director ensures mental health staff conduct suicide risk screenings and assessments as required by the Veterans Health Administration, and monitors compliance.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/4/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director evaluates outpatient mental health clinic scheduling procedures; identifies barriers to timely appointment scheduling, including staffing levels; and takes action as warranted.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/26/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director strengthens processes to ensure adequate lethal means assessment and lethal means safety counseling with patients.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director reviews posttraumatic stress disorder clinic processes to consult with a patient’s prescriber following worsening of a patient’s mental health symptoms.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/4/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director ensures posttraumatic stress disorder clinic consult and documentation procedures align with Veterans Health Administration requirements.

No. 8
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director conducts a review of the supervisory oversight of the social worker and other clinicians in the posttraumatic stress disorder clinic to ensure the identification and follow-up of clinical concerns for patients with complex mental health needs.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director strengthens processes to ensure adherence to Veterans Health Administration and facility traumatic brain injury screening and consult requirements, and monitors compliance.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/4/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director evaluates the root cause analysis processes regarding reporting of incomplete action items in accordance with Veterans Health Administration requirements, takes action as needed, and monitors compliance.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/4/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director evaluates the Peer Review Committee processes on addressing identified system issues in accordance with Veterans Health Administration requirements, takes action as needed, and monitors compliance.

No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/12/2025

The Under Secretary for Health considers establishing written guidance regarding the Behavioral Health Autopsy Program family interview process, including suicide prevention program staff’s consultation, to ensure that the decision to not outreach a family member is based on the best interest of the family.

No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/4/2025

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director ensures compliance with the Behavioral Health Autopsy Program including completion of the Family Interview Tool-Contact Form.

No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/26/2024

The VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System Director evaluates the care provided to the patient, determines if an institutional disclosure is warranted, and takes action as indicated.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00675-259
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures that the Mental Health Executive Council includes veteran representation.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director implements processes to strengthen oversight and monitoring of bed utilization.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Associate Director for Patient Care Services ensures that inpatient mental health unit staffing supports authorized bed capacity.

No. 4
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director develops and implements processes to incorporate veteran input for process improvements.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Mental Health develops processes to ensure integration of the Local Recovery Coordinator into the inpatient mental health unit to support recovery-oriented care.

No. 6
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Mental Health ensures a minimum of four hours of recovery-oriented, interdisciplinary programming on weekends on the inpatient mental health unit.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures continued implementation of a recovery-oriented environment on the inpatient mental health unit.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures accurate reporting of inpatient operating beds and implements processes to monitor.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director identifies and addresses barriers to admission for veterans on involuntary holds for mental health treatment.

No. 10
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures alignment between involuntary commitment policies and practices, consistency with state laws, and implementation of monitoring processes.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff ensures assignment of ongoing responsibilities for monitoring timely documentation of the change in veterans’ voluntary or involuntary legal status, consistent with VHA policy and state laws.

No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff ensures timely documentation of discussions between the prescriber and veteran on the risks and benefits of newly prescribed medications and monitors for improvement.

No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures the development and implementation of clearly defined written processes for transition of care when veterans are discharged from the inpatient mental health unit.

No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff ensures discharge summaries are completed within two business days of discharge and monitors for compliance.

No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff ensures discharge instructions for veterans include appointment location and contact information in easy-to-understand language.

No. 16
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures that medications listed in discharge instructions include the purpose for each medication and are written in easy-to-understand language.

No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff identifies barriers to completing the Columbia-Suicide Severity Risk Scale Screener within 24 hours prior to discharge, implements processes, and monitors to ensure compliance.

No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff ensures that safety plans address ways to make the veteran’s environment safer from potentially lethal means and monitors for compliance.

No. 19
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures staff comply with lethal means safety training and suicide risk training requirements and monitors for compliance.

No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/26/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Director ensures compliance with VHA requirements for the Interdisciplinary Safety Inspection Team, including environment of care subcommittee structure, and Mental Health Environment of Care Checklist training completion.

No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/20/2025

The VA Augusta Health Care System Chief of Staff ensures mental health leaders update inpatient unit toilets to meet safety requirements and implement processes to reduce associated safety risks.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-02994-224
|
Topics:  Contract Integrity

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2025

Ensure the Network Contracting Office 12 contracting officer develops a cardiothoracic services contract solution that meets the Medical Sharing/Affiliate National Program Office threshold for review.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2025

Establish procedures to regularly identify and review healthcare resources contracts that have been modified resulting in contract values that exceed the threshold and determine if any further action by Regional Procurement Office Central leaders or the head of contracting activity is necessary.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2025

Ensure the Network Contracting Office 12 contracting officer makes the sole-source contract justifications publicly available as required.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2025

Ensure corrective actions are taken to resolve the issues identified in the Medical Sharing/Affiliate National Program Office fact-finding investigation.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-01624-243
|
Topics:  Financial Management

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No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Establish and implement guidance for quality assurance measures over the data used to develop and justify the ambulatory care budget estimate.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Ensure the deputy under secretary for health provides oversight and holds the Office of Finance accountable for developing, documenting, and implementing standard operating procedures to include defining roles and responsibilities and requirements for oversight and quality assurance for development of the ambulatory care budget estimate.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Implement the Veterans Health Administration Data Governance Council, to include developing policies and processes for data management across the Veterans Health Administration.

No. 4
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Ensure the Veterans Health Administration Data Governance Council identifies authoritative data sources and nominates data stewards for approval by the VA Data Governance Council.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-03128-213
|
Topics:  Contract Integrity ● Leases and Major Contracts

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

Coordinate with the Health Administration Service chief to develop local policy and standard operating procedures to ensure wheelchair-accessible transportation service invoices are adequately reviewed before certification for payment in accordance with financial policy and contract documentation.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Recover approximately $3.7 million from the contractor for transportation overcharges.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 3,739,068.00
Closed: $ 0.00
Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00601-254
|
Topics:  Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/24/2024

The OIG recommends that facility leaders submit a plan to the OIG detailing steps to address snow removal on pathways leading to and from buses during and after snowstorms.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2025

The OIG recommends that facility leaders consider clarifying signage by identifying the services located in each building to help direct veterans.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2025

The OIG recommends that facility leaders implement navigation tools and cues that accommodate visually impaired veterans to help them enter the main doors.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/24/2024

The OIG recommends that facility leaders consider distributing toxic exposure screening information where veterans can easily obtain it when entering the facility.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00585-246
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Topics:  Patient Care Services Operations ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/8/2025

The OIG recommended the Facility Director work with Veterans Integrated Service Network leaders to reevaluate the current bed level capacity and submit the bed change request as required.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/8/2025

The OIG recommended the Facility Director ensures staff secure the pneumatic tube system to prevent unauthorized access to medications.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-03591-231
|
Topics:  Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) ● Information Technology and Security

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)

Assess electronic health record major performance incident data needs and contractually commit to real-time data sharing that will provide greater awareness of system operations.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)

Develop a formal procedure for verifying performance metrics and associated credits to ensure the department receives the remedies it is due under the contract.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)

Update the process for prioritizing major performance incidents to ensure that notification and resolution occur in a consistent manner.

No. 4
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)

Develop effective notification and resolution metrics that consistently capture results for all major performance incidents, regardless of the owner, and enforce them.

No. 5
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)

Identify the information needed in post-resolution reports, such as corrective and preventative actions, and require the contractor to consistently collect, verify, and report that information as a contract deliverable.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2025

Develop a plan to ensure all clinicians are familiar with the national downtime procedures.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2025

Identify the appropriate backup system and develop a training strategy to ensure clinicians can use the system during downtime.

No. 8
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Assess facilities’ patient safety reports identified during this audit to determine if additional actions need to be taken and, if so, provide an action plan.

No. 9
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Develop a mechanism to better identify major performance incidents and negative patient outcomes and provide a plan to prioritize and address their causes.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00153-248
|
Topics:  Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/14/2025

Establish a plan to use VA’s cost accounting system information to identify alternative ways to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and inform business decisions as identified by VA financial policy. This could include implementing federal financial accounting standard practices to use cost information for performance measurement, budgeting, cost control, and making economic choices.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/14/2025

Consider requiring that the managerial cost accounting team review the Intermediate Product Cost Outlier report to identify cost outliers that may occur at the healthcare system.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/14/2025

Ensure healthcare services are completing monthly data validation memos for their managerial cost accounting data.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Ensure that healthcare system staff follow policy requirements; and that fiscal staff conduct reviews on all open obligations as required by VA Financial Policy, vol. 2, chap. 5, “Obligations” (2020), updated May 2023.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Ensure that healthcare contracting staff follow federal acquisition regulations when terminating contracts for convenience to the government.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Establish controls to ensure cardholders comply with record retention requirements, confirm approving officials and cardholders review purchases for VA policy compliance, and ensure contracting is used when it is in the best interest of the government.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Require cardholders to submit a request for ratification for any unauthorized commitments identified.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Develop and implement a plan to ensure data accuracy and reliability in the Generic Inventory Package.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Develop and maintain a standardized training program for logistics and clinical staff on the proper recording of items as they are removed from primary and secondary inventory points.

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

Ensure that MSPV facility-level contracting officer’s representatives are appointed and designated properly and perform all required duties according to the scope and limitation of the designee’s authority.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 15,868,000.00
Date Issued
|
Report Number
24-00122-247
|
Topics:  Information Technology and Security

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 1/23/2025

Reevaluate the risk determination for the Veterans Health Administration Geographic Information System and determine if the system should be set to a security categorization level of “moderate” based on the personally identifiable information and other sensitive data maintained in the system.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 1/23/2025

Ensure the Data Breach Response Service director instructs staff associated with the incident response process that each security and privacy incident that occurs must be captured on a separate Privacy Security Events Tracking System ticket, confirms document investigation details are accurate, and reassesses whether the security incidents were a breach.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02161-200
|
Topics:  Community Care ● Contract Integrity

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 Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 1/28/2025

Request that the contractor perform a self-audit of local VA claims.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 4/21/2025

Verify that the contractor has completed the process of refunding local VA claims.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-02610-226
|
Topics:  Clinical Care Services Operations

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Establish policies and procedures for Grant and Per Diem liaisons to obtain reliable discharge information from grantees when veterans exit from the Grant and Per Diem Program.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Implement controls, including enhanced medical facility and grantee guidance and training, to ensure grantee files and VA medical record documentation of veteran housing outcomes are consistent with Homeless Operations, Management, and Evaluation System data definitions and support the data in the Homeless Operations, Management, and Evaluation System.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Implement controls, such as quality reviews, to ensure Homeless Operations, Management, and Evaluation System outcome data are supported by and consistent with veteran medical records and grantee files.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00879-249
|
Topics:  COVID-19 ● Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Office of Management (OM)

Confirm VA has resumed submitting biweekly reports and, therefore, has submitted reports from June 2023 to present as required by the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Office of Management (OM)

Confirm that the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 section 8002 quarterly reports are submitted to Congress within the time frame established on the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2022 and 2023, which is no later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Office of Management (OM)

Coordinate with administration and staff office chief financial officers to ensure that the finance office staff responsible for the management of open obligations know and understand VA financial policy requirements for the review of open obligations included in quarterly obligation reports.