Healthcare Inspection Alleged Cardiology Quality of Care Issues Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Bay Pines, Florida

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the validity of allegations regarding Cardiology quality of care issues at the VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida. We did not substantiate the allegation that three registered nurses (RNs) were instructed to perform pacemaker device checks without proper training. One RN was hired and trained to do basic pacemaker checks, and received proper training and competency validation prior to assuming those duties. We did not substantiate the allegation that the RNs were given a deadline of 1 month to be trained in pacemaker device checks. A deadline of 1 month was set as a goal for the RN to begin pacemaker checks after she had received training. We did not substantiate the allegation that not allowing pacemaker company representatives to do pacemaker device checks compromised patient safety. No untrained personnel were performing pacemaker checks. We made no recommendations.