All Reports

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00514-108
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Topics:  Mental Health

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2024

The VA Black Hills Health Care System Director reviews the sexual harassment policy to ensure that leaders and supervisors can identify, thoroughly investigate, and respond to sexual harassment allegations.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/25/2023
The VA Black Hills Health Care System Director reviews the actions of the Compensated Work Therapy and Transitional Residence program manager related to the identified patient’s case and takes action as needed.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The VA Black Hills Health Care System Director ensures that facility policy addresses the safety and rights of patients who are both VA employees and participants in the Transitional Residence program.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00540-107
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Topics:  Mental Health

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The VA Black Hills Health Care System Director continues to monitor and track the identified action plan through to completion.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2023

The VA Black Hills Health Care System Director reviews the evidence and independently determines if the state licensing board should be notified.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00047-106
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Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2023

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs define Focused Professional Practice Evaluation criteria in advance using objective criteria accepted by the practitioner.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2023

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the Medical Executive Council reviews and evaluates licensed independent practitioners’ reprivileging requests and documents the review in the meeting minutes.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/10/2024

The Deputy Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures managers keep furnishings and equipment safe and in good repair.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-02805-102
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Topics:  COVID-19

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/7/2024

The Under Secretary for Health evaluates provider knowledge and utilization of VA Video Connect technology, including resources such as the Digital Divide Consult, Connected Devices Support Program, and VVC Now and takes action as indicated.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/25/2025

The Under Secretary for Health evaluates availability of clinical and administrative support to providers initiating and completing VA Video Connect encounters and clarifies expectations and requirements to ensure access to virtual care emulates in-person encounters.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/9/2024

The Under Secretary for Health ensures education of providers and support staff regarding VA Video Connect scheduling processes.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02067-82
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Topics:  Claims and Medical Exams

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/12/2023
Implement a process to monitor and demonstrate progress to assess vendors’ compliance with contractual mileage and travel reimbursement requirements.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/12/2023
Collaborate with vendors to ensure portals include proper documentation of express consent.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/12/2023
Collaborate with vendors to ensure mileage reimbursement information is available in vendor portals.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-03313-96

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/7/2023

The Network Director evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and submits a Comprehensive Environment of Care compliance report to the Environment of Care Committee annually.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2023
The Network Director evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the Environment of Care Committee reviews Comprehensive Environment of Care Compliance and Assessment Tool data at least quarterly.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/7/2023

The Network Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Emergency Management Committee conducts an annual review of the Veterans Integrated Service Network-wide strengths, weaknesses, priorities, and requirements for improvement, and documents it in writing.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02604-74
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Topics:  COVID-19 ● Supplies and Equipment

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/11/2023
Document a methodology for determining the number of ventilators required by the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital to fulfill its mission and provide care during routine and emergency operations.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/11/2023
Determine whether the remaining ventilators are required to support the hospital’s mission. If excess ventilators are identified, perform procedures to turn them in for reassignment, reutilization, or disposal in accordance with VA Handbook 7002.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 2,500,000.00
Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-03133-48
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Topics:  Leases and Major Contracts

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2025

Ensure medical facilities monitor resilient high-frequency radio network training and staffing levels and maintain enough trained staff to operate the resilient high-frequency radio network.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2025

Ensure that the appropriate stakeholders know the program office responsible for the resilient high-frequency radio network and understand the roles and responsibilities for the Veterans Health Administration’s Resilient High-Frequency Radio Network program.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2025

Finalize the Veterans Health Administration High-Frequency Radio Operations Plan.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2023
If additional resilient high-frequency radio network equipment is purchased, work with the contracting officer to provide guidance to facility representatives to ensure they verify radios are fully functional before acceptance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2025

Conduct a risk assessment and provide guidance for the placement of resilient high-frequency radio networks within facilities and any needed monitoring schedules.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/4/2025

Ensure sites can obtain repairs for broken or inoperable resilient high-frequency radio network equipment.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-01594-86
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Topics:  Care Coordination ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2023

The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Director ensures that pulmonary providers communicate and document test results and surveillance care plans to patients.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2023

The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Director ensures that pulmonary providers and staff are trained on the use of return-to-clinic orders and monitors for compliance.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/2/2023

The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Director ensures that chiropractor providers review community care notes and takes action as needed.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-03680-80
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Care Coordination

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2023
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Director conducts a comprehensive review of the patient’s care received in the Emergency Department and primary care setting, consults with the appropriate Human Resources and General Counsel Offices to determine whether any personnel action is warranted, and takes action.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2023
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Director evaluates the Emergency Department alcohol withdrawal treatment protocol and ensures policy aligns with evidence-based care guidelines.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/6/2023

The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Director considers establishing written procedures for discharge planning in the Emergency Department, including documentation of contact with family members regarding notification of discharge and follow-up when applicable.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2024

The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Director expedites written guidance for primary care staff’s care coordination of patients discharged from the Emergency Department including documentation expectations and oversight responsibilities, and monitors compliance.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2023
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Director conducts a full review of the patient’s care, determines if an institutional disclosure is warranted, and takes action as indicated.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2024

The Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center Director establishes a protocol for the administrative staff management of potentially urgent patient care needs, ensures training, and monitors compliance.

No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2023
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center Director develops procedures for the management of intoxicated patients in the primary care setting to include documentation of safe transport considerations.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-01997-69
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Topics:  System Development and Implementation

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 1/26/2024

Implement controls to mitigate the risk that data are unreliable and inconsistently recorded between eCMS and iFAMS when staff deobligate funds for converted contracts.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 5/13/2024

Establish and implement a methodology to prioritize user feedback into the risk management process.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 8/15/2023
Use the risk register to document and assess the risks associated with the manual deobligation process.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 5/12/2025

Ensure that converted contracts are included in integrated system testing and user acceptance testing.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 1/26/2024

Implement a process that provides formal acknowledgment on whether requests related to high-priority business intelligence reports have been accepted as requirements.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-01503-65
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Topics:  Claims and Medical Exams

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 7/25/2024

Take action to help reduce unwarranted reexaminations by updating guidance and enhancing information systems to require rating specialists to cite objective evidence and provide justification for establishing reexamination controls.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/21/2024

Consider establishing criteria to define a “locally-designated claims processor with expertise in review examination ordering” and ensure these claims processors meet all training requirements related to establishing and ordering medical reexaminations.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 7/25/2024

Update training materials to include the guidance from VBA Policy Letter 21-01, “Updated Guidance on Routine Future Examination Requests” and ensure these claims processors meet all training requirements related to establishing and ordering medical reexaminations

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00036-68
|
Topics:  Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2023

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs define Focused Professional Practice Evaluation criteria in advance using objective criteria accepted by the practitioner.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/14/2023

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Medical Executive Board reviews and evaluates licensed independent practitioners’ privileging requests and documents its review in the meeting minutes.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/26/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that service chiefs complete Focused Professional Practice Evaluations and document results in practitioners’ profiles.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-02721-77
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Topics:  Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/31/2023
The chief for the Veterans Health Administration Office of Human Capital Management completes planned revisions of human resources policies and procedures to ensure that excluded individuals are not employed in paid positions using VA healthcare program funds, including requiring screening of candidates’ alternative or prior names or social security numbers (if accessible) against the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities prior to hiring.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2024

The executive director for the Veterans Health Administration Office of Integrity and Compliance implements planned revisions of policies and procedures for the Office of Integrity and Compliance to ensure it performs accurate List of Excluded Individuals and Entities monitoring, including for individuals with alternative or prior names or using social security numbers (if accessible), and provides timely notification of potential violations to appropriate staff.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/22/2024

The executive director for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Integrity and Compliance performs a one-time audit of VA employment records using corrected matching practices to determine whether any individuals on the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities are receiving payments using VA healthcare program funds, and, if so, whether additional revisions to policies and procedures of the VHA Office of Integrity and Compliance, the VHA Office of Human Capital Management, or any other element of VA are required to address the causes, including any related screening and/or monitoring process failures.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-01814-36
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Topics:  Claims and Appeals

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/9/2023
Incorporate oversight to periodically ensure decisions issued for complex appeals were completed by DROC employees that met all requirements associated with them.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2024

Ensure DROCs identify which raters meet all the requirements to issue decisions on complex appeals, and to communicate to managers and staff which raters meet those requirements.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2024

Provide guidance to DROC supervisors on how to maintain VBMS routing rules, and have OAR establish a procedure to periodically ensure WIT and workload designations at the DROCs are in alignment.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2024

Ensure the St. Petersburg DROC monitors the effectiveness of its modified procedures that only designated DROs are assigned informal conferences for complex appeals, and ensure complex appeal designation will be accounted for in future informal conference routing applications.

Date Issued
|
Report Number
21-01836-66
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/11/2023
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Director evaluates the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System’s non-formulary medication request and appeal processes for ketamine and antipsychotic medication, implements necessary changes, and educates prescribing providers and pharmacists on the processes.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/11/2023
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Director ensures that the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System staff document informed consents for stellate ganglion blocks and intravenous ketamine treatment in accordance with Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/11/2023
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Director evaluates the standard operating procedure, Psychiatric Use of IV Ketamine, Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare System, and specifically delineates the mechanisms for referral and evaluation of patients, to include documentation of criteria for patients to receive ketamine treatment and ensures staff are educated and compliant with the procedure.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/11/2023
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Director takes action to ensure Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System leaders continue to resolve disagreements between prescribers and pharmacists and foster the development of positive working relations among Anesthesiology, Pharmacy, and Psychiatry Services.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/9/2023
The Under Secretary for Health evaluates the VA Ketamine Infusion for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Severe Suicidal Ideation National Protocol Guidance to determine whether the acceptable number of previous treatment failures in a current episode of depression should be modified to align with current scientific recommendations.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
22-00901-78
|
Topics:  Patient Safety ● Mental Health

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/8/2023
The VA Northern California Health Care System Director will ensure development and implementation of a VA Northern California Health Care System prescription drug monitoring program policy as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1306(1), Querying State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP).
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/8/2023
The VA Northern California Health Care System Director verifies the VA Northern California Health Care System pain management policy is in alignment with Veterans Health Administration Directive 1005, Informed Consent for Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Pain.