Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Alexandria VA Health Care System in Pineville, Louisiana

Report Information

Issue Date
Closure Date
Report Number
22-00073-223
VISN
1
State
Louisiana
District
Continental
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Major Management Challenges
Benefits for Veterans
Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report describes the results of a focused evaluation of the inpatient and outpatient care provided at the Alexandria VA Health Care System, which includes the Alexandria VA Medical Center and associated outpatient clinics in Louisiana. This evaluation focused on five key operational areas: • Leadership and organizational risks • Quality, safety, and value • Medical staff privileging • Environment of care • Mental health (focusing on emergency department and urgent care center suicide prevention initiatives) The OIG issued four recommendations for improvement in two areas: 1. Medical Staff Privileging • Completing Focused Professional Practice Evaluations • Reviewing Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation data • Providers with equivalent specialized training and similar privileges completing Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations 2. Mental Health • Completing Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluations

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: 3/28/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs complete Focused Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/28/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs consistently review Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation data.

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

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers with equivalent specialized training and similar privileges complete Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/29/2023

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation following a positive suicide risk screen and include an assessment of whether the current suicidal ideation was the most severe in the last 30 days.