Healthcare Inspection Alleged Management Decisions Impacting Patient Care and Work Environment Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Iron Mountain, Michigan

The purpose of this review was to determine the validity of allegations regarding management decision impacting patient care and work environment. Three of the allegations resulted in recommendations to the VISN and Medical Center Directors. We recommended that: (1) actions be taken to reduce the scanning backlog and establish a process to assure timely entry of significant information in patients’ electronic medical records, (2) managers initiate a review of registered nurse staffing to ensure coverage of the Emergency Department and Nursing Officer of the Day, and (3) the Medical Center Director communicates, orally and in writing, organizational changes to all employees and that administrative supervisory lines are clearly written and effected in official personnel actions.