All Reports

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00116-148
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 9/30/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff document VA police response times to panic alarm testing in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/28/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for checking over-the-door alarms for patient sleeping rooms in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures the Suicide Prevention Coordinator reports suicide-related events to mental health leaders and quality management staff at least monthly

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/28/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation following a patient’s positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00024-133
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Patient Safety
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 3/19/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs recommend continuation of current privileges based on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation activities

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/1/2025

The Director ensures staff keep patient care areas safe and clean.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00012-136
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Patient Safety
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 9/10/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs recommend continued privileges based on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation activities

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/19/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff/Credentials Committee recommends continuation of licensed independent practitioners’ privileges based on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation results.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/9/2025

The Associate Director ensures staff check inventory in clean and sterile storerooms and remove expired or outdated items.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00101-137
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 4/11/2024

The Director ensures leaders conduct institutional disclosures for applicable sentinel events.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/11/2024

The Director ensures staff complete a root cause analysis for all events assigned an actual or potential safety assessment code score of 3.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/13/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff keep patient areas clean and free from undue wear.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/13/2024

The Director ensures staff check over-the-door alarms on the mental health inpatient unit according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/11/2024

The Director ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation on the same day as a patient’s positive suicide risk screen in ambulatory care settings.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-04014-130
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 4/10/2024

The Director ensures leaders conduct institutional disclosures for applicable sentinel events.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/10/2024

The Director ensures staff complete a root cause analysis for all patient safety events assigned an actual or potential safety assessment code score of 3.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/6/2024

The Associate Director ensures Environmental Management Service staff keep areas used by patients clean and orderly.

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

The Associate Director ensures staff keep furnishings and walls in good repair.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/4/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff use solid bottom shelves in storage areas.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/4/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff inspect, test, and maintain medical equipment.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/4/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff document VA police response times for panic alarm testing in the mental health inpatient unit.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/4/2024

The Director ensures the Suicide Prevention Coordinator reports suicide-related events monthly to quality management staff.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00013-128
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 8/21/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs report Focused Professional Practice Evaluation results to an executive committee of the medical staff for consideration in privileging recommendations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/27/2024

The Director ensures staff conduct environment of care inspections in patient care areas as required.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/27/2024

The Director ensures staff test panic alarms in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at least quarterly and record testing in a log, including police response times.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/27/2024

The Director ensures staff test over-the-door alarms in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/24/2025

The Director ensures staff keep interior spaces in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit safe and suitable for care.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/3/2025

The Director ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation on the same day as a patient’s positive suicide risk screen in all ambulatory care settings.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00016-132
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 2/24/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures staff record the Peer Review Committee’s formal discussions related to changes in peer review level assignments in the meeting minutes.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/6/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures the Medical Staff Executive Committee reviews data provided by the Peer Review Committee to determine the need for further action.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/28/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs complete Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations prior to reprivileging to ensure continuous delivery of quality care.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/28/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs use specialty-specific criteria in the professional practice evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/6/2024

The Associate Director ensures the Comprehensive Environment of Care Rounds Coordinator or designee schedules environment of care inspections and staff complete and document them at the required frequency.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2025

The Associate Director ensures staff keep patient care areas safe and clean.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/3/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff document police response times to panic alarm testing in the mental health inpatient unit.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/3/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff test over-the-door alarms based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for mental health inpatient unit sleeping rooms.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/6/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff check all mental health inpatient unit ceiling tiles semiannually.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/6/2024

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensures the Medical Center Director has sufficient biomedical staff and confirms they inspect and test all medical equipment for scheduled maintenance.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/6/2024

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensures compliance with VHA Directive 1860, Biomedical Engineering Performance Monitoring and Improvement, for oversight structure of the medical center’s biomedical program.

No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/24/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures designated staff complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation on the same calendar day as a positive suicide risk screen, when clinically appropriate, for all ambulatory care patients.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-04112-125
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 8/22/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs define the time frames for Focused Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/22/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs recommend reprivileging based, in part, on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation activities

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2024

The Director ensures staff remove corrugated containers from patient care areas.

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

The Director ensures staff keep storerooms clean and free of visible dust and soiling.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2024

The Director ensures Environmental Management Services staff keep patient care areas clean.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2024

The Associate Director for Patient Care Services ensures staff remove expired commercial products from patient care areas.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2024

The Director ensures staff store clean and dirty equipment separately.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2024

The Director ensures staff maintain walls to allow for thorough cleaning.

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

The Associate Director ensures staff test over-the-door alarms in the Inpatient Mental Health unit per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/22/2024

The Director ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation following a patient’s positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00109-121
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 3/13/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures leaders identify and evaluate sentinel events and conduct and document institutional disclosures when criteria are met.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures staff complete a root cause analysis for all patient safety events assigned an actual or potential safety assessment code score of 3.

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

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs recommend reprivileging for licensed independent practitioners based, in part, on Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation data.

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

The Chief of Staff ensures staff report licensed independent practitioners’ Focused Professional Practice Evaluation results to the Clinical Executive Board.

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

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Chief Medical Officer provides effective oversight of credentialing and privileging processes at the healthcare system.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures the comprehensive environment of care coordinator schedules environment of care inspections at the required frequency and verifies staff complete and document them.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures staff document police response times to panic alarm testing in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures staff follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for testing over-the-door alarms on Inpatient Mental Health Unit sleeping room doors.

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/15/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures staff maintain a safe environment in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures staff post hazard warning signs on all access doors where potentially infectious materials are located.

No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/17/2025

The Medical Center Director ensures staff keep patient care areas safe and clean.

No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/15/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures designated staff complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation the same calendar day, when logistically feasible and clinically appropriate, for all ambulatory care patients with a positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00111-119
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 4/3/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff identify sentinel events and take appropriate action when home oxygen fires occur.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/18/2024

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensures network staff track and monitor home oxygen vendor completion of root cause analyses when sentinel events occur.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures designated staff complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation the same calendar day, when logistically feasible and clinically appropriate, for all ambulatory care patients with a positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-03164-106
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 2/3/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation on the same day as a patient’s positive suicide risk screen in all ambulatory care settings.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-01450-114
|
Topics:  Clinical Care Services Operations ● Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) ● Patient Safety

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 Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)
Closure Date: 8/26/2025

The Deputy Secretary ensures mitigation of the high-risk pharmacy-related patient safety issues identified during the May 2021 National Center for Patient Safety visit.

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

The Under Secretary for Health evaluates whether the new electronic health record reflects accurate patient medication information per Veterans Health Administration requirements and takes action as indicated.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)
Closure Date: 8/26/2025

The Deputy Secretary ensures the resolution of pharmacy-related usability issues identified in this report.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)
Closure Date: 2/6/2025

The Deputy Secretary ensures correction of inaccurate medication data transmitted to the Health Data Repository.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2025

The Under Secretary for Health determines the need for and implements a comprehensive strategy to review patients affected by inaccurate medication data transmitted to the Health Data Repository to evaluate whether harm occurred, the need for patients to undergo testing or treatment, and the appropriateness of institutional disclosures.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/7/2024

The Under Secretary for Health ensures patients affected by inaccurate medication data transmitted to the Health Data Repository are notified of the risk of harm per Veterans Health Administration requirements.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2025

The Under Secretary for Health ensures legacy site providers are aware of mitigations needed for patients previously treated at a new electronic health record site and monitors compliance.

No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2025

The Under Secretary for Health ensures that pharmacist staffing levels are assessed and addressed prior to the implementation of the new electronic health record at additional VA sites

No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/29/2025

The Under Secretary for Health evaluates the underlying technical and functional issues resulting in workarounds and educational materials needed to perform pharmacy-related operations within the new electronic health record and takes action as indicated.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00528-92
|
Topics:  Care Coordination ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention

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: 10/30/2024

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director confirms that staff complete the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and document on the Veterans Health Administration template when patients are unwilling to participate in completion of the screening.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/30/2024

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director oversees a review to determine whether a VA Maine Healthcare System policy in which clinical staff will be expected to develop safety plans with patients is needed; and if so, ensures one is created.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2025

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director verifies that patients identified as having suicidal ideations or behaviors have personalized safety plans documented in the electronic health record, and monitors compliance.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2025

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director assesses staff knowledge of when to notify the VA Maine Healthcare System suicide prevention staff about a patient who has made a threat of self-directed violence during a phone call with VA staff, and takes action as warranted.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/30/2024

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director ensures that VA Maine Healthcare System leaders and root cause analysis teams are trained in the process for responding to concerns with root cause analysis team findings according to VA National Center for Patient Safety guidance, and monitors adherence.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/1/2024

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director ensures that a review of the episode of care prior to the patient’s death is completed to determine whether peer reviews are warranted, and takes action accordingly.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/30/2024

The VA Maine Healthcare System Director confirms that VA Maine Healthcare System leaders, risk managers, and patient safety staff have knowledge of the types of quality management reviews that can and cannot be done concurrently.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00023-96
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention

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: 3/7/2024

The Director ensures the Patient Safety Manager documents start dates for sentinel event investigations in the Joint Patient Safety Reporting system.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Director ensures the Patient Safety Manager initiates a root cause analysis for all patient safety events assigned an actual or potential safety assessment code score of 3.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Director ensures executive leaders consolidate all credentialing and privileging activities into one credentialing and privileging office under the Chief of Staff.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2024

The Director ensures the Credentialing and Privileging Manager reports directly to the Chief of Staff.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Director ensures designated staff complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation the same calendar day, when logistically feasible and clinically appropriate, for all ambulatory care patients with a positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-03157-95
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 10/31/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures the Medical Executive Council reviews results of professional practice evaluations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/31/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures practitioners with equivalent specialized training and similar privileges complete licensed independent practitioners’ professional practice evaluations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/27/2024

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensures the Veterans Integrated Service Network Chief Medical Officer provides oversight of the medical center’s privileging process.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures the Comprehensive Environment of Care Coordinator or designee schedules environment of care inspections and staff complete and document them at the required frequency.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/31/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff keep patient care areas clean and safe.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/31/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures designated staff complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation the same calendar day, when logistically feasible and clinically appropriate, for all ambulatory care patients with a positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-03166-88
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 2/29/2024

The Director ensures staff complete individual root cause analyses for all adverse patient safety events with an actual or potential safety assessment code score of 3.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/8/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs maintain sufficient data for licensed independent practitioners’ Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/30/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures practitioners 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: 12/30/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures designated staff complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation following a patient’s positive suicide risk screen.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00015-86
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Patient Safety
Related Media: Facility Photo

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: 10/10/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff complete a minimum of eight patient safety analyses each year.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures practitioners with equivalent specialized training and similar privileges complete Focused and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/22/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs complete licensed independent practitioners’ Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations on a regular basis.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/10/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures the suicide prevention coordinators report suicide-related events monthly to mental health leaders and quality management staff.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/10/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation on the same day as a patient’s positive suicide risk screen in all ambulatory care settings.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00010-84
|
Topics:  Patient Safety ● Suicide Prevention

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: 7/29/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff keep areas used by patients clean and orderly.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/29/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff store clean and dirty equipment and supplies separately.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/22/2024

The Associate Director ensures staff place all examination tables with the foot facing away from the door.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/29/2024

The Director ensures the Suicide Prevention Coordinator reports suicide-related events monthly to mental health leaders and quality management staff.