All Reports

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

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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

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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

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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
23-00096-122
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures providers with equivalent specialized training and similar privileges complete licensed independent practitioners’ Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/5/2024

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

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/13/2025

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 ambulatory care settings.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00967-64
|
Topics:  Education and Loan Guaranty

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/23/2025

Develop and implement policies and system controls to ensure all programs approved for use by vocational rehabilitation counselors for Veteran Readiness and Employment participants meet the requirements of applicable laws and regulations

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/20/2024

Train all appropriate Veteran Readiness and Employment regional office staff on manual requirement to verify the programs are approved for use before selecting participants and to verify facility codes match from authorization through enrollment.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 387,000.00
Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00097-113
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2025

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs regularly complete Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations for each licensed independent practitioner.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff reviews Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation data and documents its review prior to recommending licensed independent practitioners’ ongoing privileges to the Director.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2024

The Director ensures staff complete environment of care inspections at the required frequency.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/6/2025

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

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00122-118
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures medical staff review and document licensed independent practitioners’ Focused Professional Practice Evaluation results and report them to the Medical Executive Board.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs monitor licensed independent practitioners’ performance by regularly conducting Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2024

The Medical Center Director ensures staff conduct environment of care inspections in patient care areas at the required frequency.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/13/2024

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. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2024

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

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

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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
22-03167-110
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/21/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures providers complete the Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation on the same calendar 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

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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
23-00382-100
|
Topics:  Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) ● Mental Health

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO),Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/11/2025

The Deputy Secretary establishes ongoing monitors to ensure that scheduling procedures in the new electronic health record are functioning in accordance with Veterans Health Administration requirements.

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

The Under Secretary for Health evaluates minimum scheduling effort requirements for mental health appointments and takes action to ensure the implementation of standardized policy and procedures in the best interest of patient care.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO),Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/6/2024

The VA Central Ohio Healthcare System Medical Center Director conducts a full review of the care of the patient provided by the nurse practitioner and psychologist 1, and the supervisory psychologist’s oversight, consults with Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes actions as warranted.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO),Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/20/2024

The VA Central Ohio Healthcare System Medical Center Director ensures compliance with the Caring Communication Program including the initiation and cessation of caring communications as required.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO),Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/6/2024

The Under Secretary for Health considers establishing written guidance related to documentation, leaders’ review, follow-up actions, and tracking of Lessons Learned in root cause analyses.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-01746-112
|
Topics:  Clinical Care Services Operations

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/13/2024

The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensures that patient advocacy staff within Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 are educated on the need to consult with patient safety staff when complaints involve patient safety concerns.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/5/2025

The Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Director ensures a review is completed of the missed opportunities referenced in this report related to refitting and reeducating patients on VA-issued shoes, determines the need to create a related standard operating procedure or facility policy, and takes action as necessary.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-06147-111
|
Topics:  Purchase Cards ● Supplies and Equipment

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 8/12/2024

Ensure the DALC Recreation Group’s operations fully comply with VA Handbook 5025, Part VIII, or dissolve the group if there is insufficient employee interest in its continuation.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 8/12/2024

Update VA Handbook 7002, Logistics Management Procedures Part 3, section 7, to clarify under which circumstances, if any, VA employees are permitted to request, accept, and record any incentive items provided by vendors in connection with government purchases.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 8/12/2024

Reinforce ethics and policy requirements on the acceptance and disposition of free or donated property with all Denver Logistics Center managers and staff, including distributing to staff the Office of General Counsel’s guidance dated June 30, 2023.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 8/12/2024

Reeducate DLC managers, approving officials, and purchasing agents about VA government purchase card policy requirements that government contracted sources be fully considered and given priority when making purchases.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 5/14/2025

In consultation with the Office of General Counsel, as authorized by 31 U.S.C. § 3711, determine the full magnitude of the loss from the DALC Recreation Group’s improper sale of VA property and take appropriate action to recover the losses, including any proceeds of the auctions currently within the custody or control of the DALC Recreation Group.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)
Closure Date: 8/12/2024

Consider whether any administrative action should be taken with respect to the conduct or performance of the director of the Denver Logistics Center or any other individual involved in the improper acquisition and disposition of the incentive items, and report to the OIG any actions taken involving these individuals.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
23-00117-108
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention
Related Media: Facility Photo

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs incorporate service-specific criteria in licensed independent practitioners’ Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2024

The Chief of Staff ensures service chiefs regularly monitor licensed independent practitioners’ performance through Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2024

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
22-01275-99
|
Topics:  Military Sexual Trauma ● Women’s Health

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2024

The Under Secretary for Health examines potential differences between the veterans who reported to Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and used VA health care and those who did not in order to improve outreach efforts to the nearly half who did not engage with VA health care.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2024

The Under Secretary for Benefits evaluates the service-connected disability application and claims process for veterans who reported sexual assault that occurred during military service to identify and mitigate potential barriers.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2024

The Under Secretary for Benefits examines potential differences between the veterans who reported to Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and used VA benefits and those who did not in order to improve outreach efforts.