All Reports

Compensation and Pension Proceeds Were Generally Handled Accurately but Some Were Delayed
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20-00817-123

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 10/14/2021
Implement a timeliness requirement or performance measure for handling proceeds.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/27/2021
Develop oversight and monitoring procedures to ensure timely handling of proceeds.
Deficiencies in Reporting Reliable Physical Infrastructure Cost Estimates for the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program
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20-03178-116
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Topics:  Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) ● System Development and Implementation

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)
Closure Date: 11/9/2022

The executive director for the Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization should ensure an independent cost estimate is performed for program life cycle cost estimates including related physical infrastructure costs funded by the Veterans Health Administration.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 11/9/2022

The VA Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer  should ensure the Office of Programming, Analysis and Evaluation, or another office performing its duties, conducts independent cost 

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/26/2022

 The director of Special Engineering Projects for the Veterans Health  Administration’s Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities Programs should develop a  reliable cost estimate for Electronic Health Record Modernization program-related physical  infrastructure in accordance with VA cost-estimating standards and incorporate costs for upgrade  needs identified in facility self-assessments and scoping sessions.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/20/2022

The director of Special Engineering Projects should also continuously update physical infrastructure cost estimates based on emerging requirements and identified project needs.

No. 5
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM IO)

Ensure costs for physical infrastructure upgrades funded by the Veterans Health Administration or other sources needed to support the Electronic Health Record Modernization program are disclosed in program life cycle cost estimates presented to Congress.

Drug Interactions Related to a Patient Death, Marion VA Medical Center in Illinois
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20-03380-136
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Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/27/2022
The Marion VA Medical Center Director ensures that behavioral health staff provide, and document patient education including discussion of side effects and possible adverse drug-drug interactions during telephone encounters when medications are added or adjusted and monitors compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/27/2022
The Marion VA Medical Center Director confirms that behavioral health providers are communicating test results to patients and providing necessary clinical interventions as required by policy.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/27/2021
The Marion VA Medical Center Director monitors implementation of Phase Four of the Psychotropic Drug Safety Initiative.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/27/2021
The Marion VA Medical Center Director ensures that primary care providers enter return-to-clinic orders and monitors compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/22/2022
The Marion VA Medical Center Director verifies primary care and behavioral health staff document contacts, attempted contacts, and letters sent when patients missed their appointments and monitors compliance.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Ohio
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20-01276-131
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Topics:  Patient Safety ● Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing ● Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Quality, Safety, and Value Committee fully implements and monitors improvement actions.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that all applicable deaths are peer reviewed.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that root cause analyses include all required review elements.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/5/2022
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures clinical managers define in advance, communicate, and document criteria for focused professional practice evaluations in practitioner profiles.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/2/2024

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that service chiefs document the results of focused professional practice evaluations in practitioner profiles.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2023
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that service chiefs collect service-specific ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2022
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and ensures service chiefs recommend continuation of privileges based on ongoing professional practice evaluation data.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Clinical Executive Board meeting minutes consistently reflect the review of professional practice evaluation results in the decision to recommend initiation and continuation of privileges.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/2/2024

The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that provider exit review forms are completed within seven business days of licensed healthcare professionals’ departure from the medical center.

No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures clinicians complete suicide prevention safety plans in the expected time frame for patients with High Risk for Suicide Patient Record Flags.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that each community-based outpatient clinic has at least two designated women’s health primary care providers or plans for leave coverage if there is only one designated provider.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/12/2021
The Chief of Staff determines the reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members are assigned and consistently attend Women Veterans Advisory Committee meetings.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/13/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that standard operating procedures align with manufacturer’s instructions for use.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2023
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that CensiTrac® is fully operational.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/13/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that the Chief of Sterile Processing Services maintains written records of weekly eyewash station function testing.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/29/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that staff who reprocess reusable medical equipment receive monthly continuing education.
The Office of Field Operations Did Not Adequately Oversee Quality Assurance Program Findings
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20-00049-122

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/10/2023
Develop and implement a written plan to strengthen oversight of the quality assurance program for disability compensation benefits and monitor the plan to ensure identified deficiencies are adequately addressed.
Inadequate Resident Supervision and Documentation of an Ophthalmology Procedure at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System in Oklahoma
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20-03886-141
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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: 5/18/2021
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System Director ensures a review of the clinic note for the patient who experienced temporary loss of vision and confirms that the level of supervision provided by the attending ophthalmologist is accurately reflected in the electronic health record.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/7/2021
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System Director conducts a review to ensure that language used to document resident supervision accurately reflects the presence of the attending ophthalmologist and the degree of resident oversight provided and takes action as indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/10/2022
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System Director confirms that ophthalmology service procedures include a hand-off process to address attending coverage in situations when an attending ophthalmologist is unavailable to provide timely resident supervision.
Care and Oversight Deficiencies Related to Multiple Homicides at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia
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20-03593-140
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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: 3/31/2022
The Under Secretary for Health ensures actions are taken to clarify and broadly disseminate adjudicator expectations for follow-up of an unreturned INV Form 41.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2022
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director ensures Pharmacy Service utilizes the required Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture Automatic Replenishment System to record medication usage data and maintain the records for inventory accountability.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/29/2021
The Veterans Integrated Service Network 5 Director conducts management reviews of the care of patients 1–10 as discussed in this report and takes action as indicated.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center Director reviews the availability and timeliness of endocrinology consults, and takes any corrective action needed.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/6/2022
The Veterans Integrated Service Network 5 Director ensures evaluation of quality of care concerns or other irregularities (beyond hypoglycemia) of: cases provided by the OIG; cases that may otherwise be pertinent or concerning; and cases brought forward by patients and/or family members who express concerns or make other inquiries about care they received from Ms. Mays. As determined by the VISN, clinical experts external to the facility should be utilized when appropriate.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/6/2022
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director develops and disseminates guidance on clinical communication(s) to ensure that patient care and outcomes are routinely discussed in appropriate forums, such as interdisciplinary team meetings, and the discussions are documented.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/6/2022
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director ensures that close observation documentation is readily available in the electronic health record, and monitors for compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/6/2022
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director ensures clinical documentation reviews are completed timely for patient safety and continuity of care.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center Director evaluates the factors and processes surrounding employees’ failures to report and follow up on the unexplained hypoglycemic events, and takes action to ensure appropriate reporting of actual or potential patient safety events, system vulnerabilities, or other unexpected events that offer opportunities for lessons learned.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director requires that all staff are trained on reporting patient safety events using the correct reporting system and monitors for compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/6/2022
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director ensures that the interdisciplinary mortality review workgroup meet as required with appropriate reporting through oversight council(s), and monitors for compliance.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Louis A. Johnson Medical Center Director ensures that oversight and reporting practices align with Louis A. Johnson Medical Center policy requirements.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/31/2022
The Under Secretary for Health determines the potential advantage of a rescue medication flagging system as an additional tool to evaluate unexplained adverse patient events, including but not limited to mortalities, and takes action as indicated.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center Director takes action to prioritize and continue efforts to promote a strong culture of safety, such as periodic facility-wide refresher patient safety training or additional patient safety stand downs when indicated, and monitors for effectiveness.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2022
The Under Secretary for Health reevaluates how the Veterans Health Administration collects, reviews, and analyzes mortality data from VA facilities, and takes action to address identified gaps and weaknesses, as indicated.
Deficiencies in Leaders’ Responses to Lapses in Reusable Medical Equipment Reprocessing at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center in Ohio
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20-02265-100
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Topics:  Patient Safety ● Supplies and Equipment

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/29/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director develops an oversight plan to address concerns regarding the employee’s compliance with Sterile Processing Services’ procedures as identified by facility and Veterans Integrated Services Network leaders and the Clinical Episode Review Team and confirms effective resolution.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/7/2021
The Under Secretary for Health ensures that the Clinical Episode Review Team reviews the OIG-provided biomedical equipment manufacturer’s information for the automated endoscope reprocessor to determine if the information alters their determination regarding the potential risk to patients or the need for a large-scale disclosure and takes action as necessary.
Deficiencies in Community Living Center Practices and the Death of a Patient Following Elopement from the Chillicothe VA Medical Center in Ohio
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20-01523-102
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Topics:  Mental Health ● Patient Safety ● VA Police

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director consults with the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to review the classification and commitment of patients to the long-stay mental health recovery unit in the facility’s community living center, and makes recommendations to ensure the provision of safe mental health care to patients at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director conducts a comprehensive review of the patient’s calendar year 2019 mental health care, including psychiatric care and medication management, and makes recommendations to the facility, if indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director establishes a review process to ensure that community living center assessments clearly align the service offerings of the community living center with the individual needs of patients.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures development of a process to address the care needs of patients who are determined inappropriate for community living center admission.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director establishes a review process to ensure that community living center care plans are consistent with applicable Veterans Health Administration policy and communicated to the community living center staff caring for patients.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures all community living center long-stay mental health recovery unit staff receive mental health training and pass competency evaluations to provide care specific to the needs of the population served.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that all facility staff are trained on, and comply with, the facility policy concerning patient behavior management.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/22/2022
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that all facility community living center staff report near-miss and actual missing patient events to patient safety staff and monitors for compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that patient safety staff review reported events for patterns or trends indicating risks to patients with a need for mitigation and confirms that effective mitigation strategies are initiated.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures all facility community living center staff receive initial orientation on how to prevent and respond to missing patient events, activating all alerts and involving all relevant staff, as required.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director reviews the facility’s policy on missing patients, ensures that it clearly outlines actions staff should take to prevent missing patient events, and verifies that relevant staff are trained and knowledgeable about such actions.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/19/2021
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center Director ensures that VA police officers receive training and resources to provide missing patient alerts to all facility staff and appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan
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20-01272-129
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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: 10/5/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Executive Quality Leadership Council recommends and takes action in response to identified problems or opportunities for improvement.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that the Chief of Medicine includes the minimum gastroenterology-specific criteria for ongoing professional practice evaluations of licensed independent gastroenterology practitioners.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/14/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that providers with similar training and 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: 10/5/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Provider Exit Review Forms are completed within seven business days of licensed healthcare practitioners’ departure from the medical center.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures providers complete and document goals of care conversations prior to hospice referrals.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that required members consistently attend Women Veterans Health Committee meetings
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that standard operating procedures align with the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all current Sterile Processing Services employees complete Level 1 training and all new employees complete Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that Sterile Processing Services employees complete competency assessments that align with standard operating procedures and manufacturers’ instructions for use.
Federal Information Security Modernization Act Audit for Fiscal Year 2020
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20-01927-104
|
Topics:  FISMA

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology consistently implement an improved continuous monitoring program in accordance with the NIST Risk Management Framework. Specifically, implement an independent security control assessment process to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls prior to granting authorization decisions.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved mechanisms to ensure system stewards and information system security officers follow procedures for establishing, tracking, and updating Plans of Action and Milestones for all known risks and weaknesses including those identified during security control assessments.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement controls to ensure that system stewards and responsible officials obtain appropriate documentation prior to closing Plans of Action and Milestones.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology develop mechanisms to ensure system security plans reflect current operational environments, include an accurate status of the implementation of system security controls, and all applicable security controls are properly evaluated.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology Implement improved processes for reviewing and updating key security documents such as security plans, risk assessments, and interconnection agreements on an annual basis and ensure the information accurately reflects the current environment.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved processes to ensure compliance with VA password policy and security standards on domain controls, operating systems, databases, applications, and network devices.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement periodic reviews to minimize access by system users with incompatible roles, permissions in excess of required functional responsibilities, and unauthorized accounts.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology enable system audit logs on all critical systems and platforms and conduct centralized reviews of security violations across the enterprise.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Office of Personnel Security strengthen processes to ensure appropriate levels of background investigations are completed for applicable VA employees and contractors and applicable investigation data is accurately tracked within the authoritative system of record.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Office of Personnel Security formalize the Position Descriptions and methodology used within the Human Resource business processes to ensure that employees with similar positions are required to have the same level of background investigation.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement more effective automated mechanisms to continuously identify and remediate security deficiencies on VA’s network infrastructure, database platforms, and web application servers.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement a more effective patch and vulnerability management program to address security deficiencies identified during our assessments of VA’s web applications, database platforms, network infrastructure, and workstations.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology maintain a complete and accurate security baseline configuration for all platforms and ensure all baselines are appropriately implemented for compliance with established VA security standards.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved network access controls that restrict medical devices from systems hosted on the general network.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology consolidate the security responsibilities for networks not managed by the Office of Information and Technology, under a common control for each site and ensure vulnerabilities are remediated in a timely manner.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved processes to ensure that all devices and platforms are evaluated using credentialed vulnerability assessments.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved procedures to enforce standardized system development and change control processes that integrates information security throughout the life cycle of each system.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology review system boundaries, recovery priorities, system components, and system interdependencies and implement appropriate mechanisms to ensure that established system recovery objectives are met.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology ensure contingency plans for all systems and applications are updated and tested in accordance with VA requirements.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement more effective agency-wide incident response procedures to ensure timely notification, reporting, updating, and resolution of computer security incidents in accordance with VA standards.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology ensure that VA’s Cybersecurity Operations Center has full access to all security incident data to facilitate an agency-wide awareness of information security events.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved safeguards to identify and prevent unauthorized vulnerability scans on VA networks.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved measures to ensure that all security controls are assessed in accordance with VA policy and that identified issues or weaknesses are adequately documented and tracked within POA&Ms.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology fully develop a comprehensive list of approved and unapproved software and implement continuous monitoring processes to prevent the use of prohibited software on agency devices.
No. 25
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology develop a comprehensive inventory process to identify connected hardware, software, and firmware used to support VA programs and operations.
No. 26
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 4/13/2022
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved procedures for monitoring contractor-managed systems and services and ensure information security controls adequately protect VA sensitive systems and data.
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center in Michigan
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20-01266-117
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures action items are fully implemented when problems or opportunities for improvement are identified.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that practitioners with similar training and privileges complete ongoing professional practice evaluations.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/24/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that Provider Exit Review Forms are completed within seven business days of licensed independent practitioners’ departure from the medical center.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that suicide prevention coordinators complete suicide prevention safety plans within the required time frame and include contact information for professional agencies.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/23/2022
The Medical Center Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain that employees complete annual suicide prevention refresher training
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/4/2022
The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and makes certain the Women Veterans Health Committee meets regularly, appoints required members who consistently attend meetings, and reports to executive leaders.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures the Chief of Sterile Processing Services enforces the endoscopy clinic reprocessing area’s daily cleaning schedule.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/17/2022
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that temperature and humidity ranges are monitored and maintained in the Sterile Processing Services main supply room and endoscopy clinic reprocessing area.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/4/2021
The Associate Director for Patient Care Services evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures that all staff who reprocess reusable medical equipment receive monthly continuing education.
Insufficient Veterans Crisis Line Management of Two Callers with Homicidal Ideation, and an Inadequate Primary Care Assessment at the Montana VA Health Care System in Fort Harrison
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20-00545-115
|
Topics:  Suicide Prevention

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director conducts a full review of the Veterans Crisis Line staff’s management of caller 1’s contacts, including the responder’s conduct, consults with Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes action as warranted.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director ensures leaders’ awareness and understanding of administrative investigation board policy and procedures as applicable to the Veterans Crisis Line.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2021
The Montana VA Health Care System Director ensures that primary care providers include and document assessment and care plans for patients with mental health conditions.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2021
The Montana VA Health Care System Director makes certain that primary care providers comply with Veterans Health Administration policy regarding the electronic health record documentation of patients’ non-VA health records.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Executive Director, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, consults with relevant Veterans Health Administration program offices, including the National Center for Patient Safety, to establish applicable quality management processes and expectations including staff reporting of adverse events and close calls.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director evaluates Veterans Crisis Line leaders’ expectations regarding the percentage of silent monitored calls completed and establishes benchmarks for individual staff requirements.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director makes certain that root cause analyses are conducted as required by Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Executive Director, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, determines if Veterans Health Administration disclosure policies apply to the Veterans Crisis Line and establishes procedures as appropriate.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director ensures processes are developed to promote responders’ communication regarding emergency dispatch for disconnected callers.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director conducts a full review of Veterans Crisis Line staff members’ contacts and rescue management with caller 2, consults with the Human Resources and General Counsel Offices, and takes action as warranted.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/28/2021
The Veterans Crisis Line Director strengthens supervisory oversight of social service assistants and clearly communicates expectations to all supervisory levels.
Quality of Colonoscopies in Multispecialty Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
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20-01386-107
|
Topics:  Patient Safety ● Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/2/2022
The Under Secretary for Health clarifies requirements for colonoscopy quality indicators for professional practice evaluation and ensures a process is in place to monitor compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/17/2023
The Under Secretary for Health strengthens requirements for colonoscopy quality assurance monitoring that includes analysis of quality indicators to identify trends and monitors for compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/12/2022
The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with the National Gastroenterology Program Director, evaluates implementation of standardized endoscopy software across Veterans Health Administration facilities where colonoscopies are performed and takes action as indicated.
Deficiencies in Care and Administrative Processes for a Patient Who Died by Suicide, Phoenix VA Health Care System, Arizona
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20-02667-93
|
Topics:  Mental Health ● Suicide Prevention ● Community Care

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director conducts a full review of the patient’s care to determine if administrative action is warranted, consulting with Human Resources and General Counsel offices as appropriate.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensures that staff complete suicide risk assessments consistent with Veterans Health Administration and Phoenix VA Health Care System policies.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensures timely and accurate completion of electronic health record documentation.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director evaluates the community care psychology consult authorization timeliness and takes action as warranted.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director conducts a review of Primary Care Clinic missed appointment procedures and ensures patient follow-up and staff training, as appropriate.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/1/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director evaluates scheduling accuracy of mental health community care psychology consults and takes action as appropriate.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/30/2021
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensures timely completion of behavioral health autopsies, consistent with Veterans Health Administration policy, and monitors for ongoing compliance.
Alleged Irregularities Regarding Physician Incentive Compensation Were Not Substantiated
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19-00652-79

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/9/2021
The Medical Center Director audits the Dental Service Chief’s relative value unit productivity metric for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and determines whether any erroneous payments for performance were made and issues bills of collection if deemed appropriate.
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