All Reports

Review of Claims Processing Actions at Pension Management Centers
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15-04156-352

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 11/1/2017
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits clarify the guidance for VA general medical examinations requirements related to original pension claims.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/30/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure staff at the Pension Management Centers receive training based on the clarified guidance for VA medical general examination requirements related to original pension claims.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure St. Paul claims processing staff review the 605 pension claims denied without a VA general medical examination in CY 2015 to determine whether corrective action is necessary based on clarified guidance and report to the OIG the number of denials reversed.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits develop and implement a plan to ensure rating consistency across Pension Management Centers.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 11/1/2017
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits implement a plan to ensure claims processing staff prioritize actions for cases involving benefits reductions based on Medicaid-covered nursing home care to minimize improper payments.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits develop workload performance measures for cases involving benefits reductions based on Medicaid-covered nursing home care to minimize improper payments.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/30/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits develop and implement training for claims processing staff that is specific to Medicaid-covered nursing home cases.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 41,400,000.00
Audit of VBA’s National Pension Call Center
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16-03922-392

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/29/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure National Pension Call Center management implements controls to require supervisors to review and take corrective actions for inaccuracies identified when evaluating calls.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 6/6/2019
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure Benefits Assistance Service has qualified staff to evaluate the quality of Spanish-speaking calls received at the National Pension Call Center.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/29/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure National Pension Call Center and Benefits Assistance Service management implement controls to help ensure staff complies with all training requirements identified in Benefits Assistance Service National Training Curriculum.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/29/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits ensure National Pension Call Center management implements controls to ensure staff completes course evaluations or assessments for instructor-led training in the Talent Management System to record training hours timely.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits continuously evaluate the NPCC Cisco data and determine if a plan is needed to modify operating hours to accommodate callers, including those residing outside the Eastern Time Zone.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/15/2019
We recommended the Philadelphia VA Regional Director strengthen controls at Philadelphia VA regional office to help ensure correspondence that may include personally identifiable information is mailed to the intended veteran.
Review of Potential Misuse of Purchase Cards at Veterans Integrated Service Network 15
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15-05519-377

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/24/2018
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 15 Director submit ratification requests for the fiscal year 2015 unauthorized commitments identified in our report to the Veterans Health Administration’s Head of Contracting Activity.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/19/2018
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 15 Director, in coordination with the Network Contracting Office Director, conduct additional focused training for its purchase cardholders and approving officials on what constitutes splitting purchases and how to avoid them.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2018
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 15 Director, in coordination with the Network Contracting Office Director, establish more rigorous monitoring mechanisms to identify improper purchase card transactions.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 73,000.00
Healthcare Inspection – Opioid Agonist Treatment Program Concerns VA Maryland Health Care System Baltimore, Maryland
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16-01091-06

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/22/2018
We recommended that the VA Maryland Health Care System Director ensure that Baltimore VA Medical Center Opioid Agonist Treatment Program counselors provide treatment planning consistent with Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 8, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration guidelines, and local policy requirements.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2018
We recommended that the VA Maryland Health Care System Director ensure that Baltimore VA Medical Center Opioid Agonist Treatment Program counselors provide counseling sessions consistent with Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 8, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration guidelines, and local policy requirements.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2018
We recommended that the VA Maryland Health Care System Director ensure that Baltimore VA Medical Center Opioid Agonist Treatment Program leaders consider implementing clear policies regarding the management of cardiac risk that include annual electrocardiographic assessment consistent with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration guidelines.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2018
We recommended that the VA Maryland Health Care System Director ensure Opioid Agonist Treatment Program administrative policies assign regulatory compliance responsibilities consistent with Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 8 and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration guidelines.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2018
We recommended that the VA Maryland Health Care System Director ensure that the Baltimore VA Medical Center Opioid Agonist Treatment Program Medical Director is present at the program a sufficient number of hours to ensure regulatory compliance consistent with Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 8 and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration guidelines.
Audit of Purchase Card Use To Procure Prosthetics
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15-04929-351

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/1/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Health require Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service conduct periodic analyses of Veterans Health Administration prosthetic purchases to identify commonly used prosthetics that offer opportunities for VA’s Strategic Acquisition Center to leverage Veterans Health Administration’s purchasing power by pursuing Veterans Health Administration-wide or multi-Veterans Integrated Service Network contracts.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Health require the Procurement and Logistics Office and Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service to periodically monitor prosthetic procurements to ensure Veterans Integrated Service Networks and Network Contracting Offices identify and report prosthetics usage and cost data for use in developing Veterans Integrated Service Network contracts when Veterans Health Administration wide or multi-Veterans Integrated Service Network contracts are not possible.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Health require the Procurement and Logistics Office to review fiscal years 2015 and 2016 prosthetic purchase card transactions above the micro-purchase limit and submit identified unauthorized commitments to Heads of Contracting Activities for ratification actions.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Health direct Heads of Contracting Activities to perform ratification actions for unauthorized commitments identified by the Procurement & Logistics Office review of fiscal years 2015 and 2016 prosthetic purchase card transactions above the micro-purchase limit and consider holding cardholders and their approving officials accountable for unauthorized commitments, as appropriate.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2018
We recommended the Acting Under Secretary for Health require the Procurement and Logistics Office to develop a process for conducting periodic reviews to evaluate compliance with the requirements of VHA Directive 1081, VA Procurement Policy Memorandum 2016-02, and the Veterans Health Administration’s Memorandum, Implementation of the Implant Pre-authorization Process.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 3,120,699,904.00
Clinical Assessment Program Review of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, Colorado
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16-00546-388

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that the facility ensure the designated quality, safety, and value committee meets quarterly and is chaired or co-chaired by the Facility Director.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that the facility revise the policy/by-laws to specify a frequency for clinical managers to review practitioners’ Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation data every 6 months.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/11/2019
We recommended that facility clinical managers consistently review Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation data and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that facility clinical managers ensure an interdisciplinary group reviews utilization management data and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2018
We recommended that the Patient Safety Manager consistently enter all reported patient incidents into the WEBSPOT database and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2018
We recommended that the facility consistently evaluate actions for effectiveness in the Clinical Executive Committee and Performance Improvement Board and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure all health care occupancy buildings have at least one fire drill per shift per quarter and monitor compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/3/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure horizontal surfaces, ventilation grills, and floors in patient care areas are clean and monitor compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure ice machines and refrigerators in patient nourishment kitchens are clean and monitor compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure the standard operating procedure for the retrograde cholangiopancreatography endoscope is consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that Sterile Processing Service managers ensure Sterile Processing Service employees receive competencies at orientation and annually for the types of reusable medical equipment they reprocess.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that the facility revise the policy for anticoagulation management to include addressing no shows and patient noncompliance and minimizing loss to follow-up.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that the facility define a process for patient anticoagulation-related calls outside normal business hours.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that clinical managers complete semiannual competency assessments for employees actively involved in the anticoagulant program and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2018
We recommended that the facility collect and report data on patient transfers out of the facility.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/18/2019
We recommended that for patients transferred out of the facility, providers consistently include documentation of patient or surrogate informed consent, documentation of medical and behavioral stability, identification of transferring and receiving provider or designee, and details of the reason for transfer or proposed level of care needed in transfer documentation and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/10/2019
We recommended that facility managers ensure that for emergent transfers, provider transfer notes include patient stability for transfer and monitor compliance.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/10/2019
We recommended that for patients transferred out of the facility, providers document sending or communicating to the accepting facility available history; observations, signs, symptoms, and preliminary diagnoses; and results of diagnostic studies and tests and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/20/2019
We recommended that clinicians take and document all actions required by the facility in response to test results and that clinical managers monitor compliance.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2018
We recommended that the facility report and trend the use of reversal agents in moderate sedation cases and process adverse events/complications in a similar manner as operating room anesthesia adverse events and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 21
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that the VA Police Officer, Patient Safety Manager and/or Risk Manager, and Patient Advocate consistently attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 22
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2018
We recommended that the facility collect and analyze data from disruptive or violent behavior incidents.
No. 23
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that facility clinical managers ensure a clinician member of the Disruptive Behavior Committee enters progress notes regarding Patient Record Flags.
No. 24
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/29/2017
We recommended that facility clinical managers ensure clinicians inform patients about the Patient Record Flags and the right to request to amend/appeal Patient Record Flag placement.
No. 25
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/19/2020
We recommended that facility managers ensure all employees receive Level 1 Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior training and additional training as required for their assigned risk area within 90 days of hire and that the training is documented in employee training records.
No. 26
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/14/2018
We recommended that all doors on the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program unit other than the main point of entry be locked and alarmed.
No. 27
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/16/2018
We recommended that the facility fully implement the nurse staffing methodology and conduct annual reassessments.
Inspection of VA Regional Office Anchorage, Alaska
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17-02084-343

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/29/2017
We recommended the Anchorage VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure prioritization of proposed rating reduction cases for completion at the expiration of the due process time period.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended the Anchorage VA Regional Office Director strengthen oversight to ensure data input at the time of claims establishment is reviewed for accuracy.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/29/2017
We recommended the Anchorage VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to monitor the effectiveness of training related to claims establishment procedures.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended the Anchorage VA Regional Office Director provide training for designated congressional liaison staff who process special controlled correspondence and monitor the effectiveness of the training.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended the Anchorage VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure oversight is strengthened for special controlled correspondence.
Review of Alleged Adverse Effect on Patient Care Due to Removal of a Computer-Assisted Survey Instrument
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16-00838-348

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 9/29/2017
We recommended the Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement appropriate controls to ensure that Class III software is not installed on VA networks without a formal technical review and authority to operate, and that training is provided to OIT Region 1 staff on the treatment of Class III software.
Review of Alleged Use of Wrong VA Funds To Purchase IT Equipment
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16-00753-338

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/28/2018
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 23 Director consult with VA’s Office of General Counsel and take necessary corrective actions to correct the funding error related to the purchase of WiFi and cable television services and ensure that appropriate funds are used for future information technology purchases in accordance with VA policy and VA’s Office of General Counsel guidance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/28/2018
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 23 Director work with the Chief Financial Officer to determine if an Antideficiency Act violation occurred and take action as deemed appropriate.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 2/5/2018
We recommended the Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology update the 2016 IT/Non-IT Policy to address the dissemination of decisions and issues that may be systemic across VA.
Healthcare Inspection – Alleged Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Program Issues, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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15-01415-382

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/3/2018
We recommended that the System Director ensure that providers document clinical judgement, coordination of care, communication with the patient or referring facility, and an accurate plan of care from initial assessment to procedure for transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients.
Inspection of the VA Regional Office Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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17-00266-349

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2018
We recommended the Winston-Salem Regional Office Director develop and implement a plan to monitor the effectiveness of training on higher-level special monthly compensation and ancillary benefits claims at the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2018
We recommended the Winston-Salem VARO Director develop and implement a plan to ensure secondary reviewers accurately evaluate higher-level special monthly compensation and ancillary benefits claims at the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2018
We recommended the North Atlantic District Director implement a plan to ensure oversight and prioritization of proposed rating reduction cases at the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2018
We recommended that the Winston-Salem VARO Director ensure management provides a consistent quality review process addressing all elements required when establishing claims in the electronic record.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/2/2018
We recommended the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office Director ensure VSC staff receive all mandatory annual training on claims establishment procedures.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2018
We recommended the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure the Public Contact Coach and Congressional Liaisons adhere to Veterans Benefits Administration policy when processing special controlled correspondence.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/6/2018
We recommended the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office Director provide standardized training to Congressional Liaisons on processing special controlled correspondence.
Review of Alleged Payment Issues at Kerrville VA Hospital Kerrville, Texas
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16-02151-320

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2018
We recommended the director of the STVHCS instruct PRMC to stop advising veterans that they may be liable for pre-authorized NVC.
OIG Determination of VHA Occupational Staffing Shortages FY 2017
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17-00936-385
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Topics:  Staffing

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2020
We recommended that the Acting Under Secretary for Health ensure that the Veterans Health Administration implements staffing models for critical need occupations.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/2/2018
We recommended that the Acting Under Secretary for Health review the Veterans Health Administration report on regrettable losses and implement effective measures to reduce such losses.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/19/2020
We recommended that the Acting Under Secretary for Health continue incorporating data that predict changes in veteran demand for health care into its staffing model.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/5/2019
We recommended that the Acting Under Secretary for Health continue assessing the Veterans Health Administration’s resources and expertise in developing staffing models and determine whether exploration of external options to develop the above staffing model is necessary.
Healthcare Inspection – Delayed Access to Primary Care, Contaminated Reusable Medical Equipment, and Follow-Up of Registered Nurse Staffing Concerns, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, Arizona
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16-02241-375

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/11/2019
We recommended that the System Director ensure that primary care appointment scheduling processes are assessed and action is taken to ensure timely access for new and established patients.
Inspection of the VA Regional Office, Detroit, Michigan
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17-02073-317

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2017
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director develop and implement a plan to improve the accuracy of the second-signature review process for higher-level Special Monthly Compensation and ancillary benefits.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/20/2018
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to conduct comprehensive training for Claims Assistants that emphasizes the importance of ensuring all elements are considered when establishing claims, and assess the effectiveness of that training.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2017
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to modify the quality review checklist on claims establishment to include claim label and claimed issue classification indicators.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/20/2018
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure staff adhere to Veterans Benefits Administration policy and use the correct dates of claim for end products 500 used to manage special controlled correspondence.
Clinical Assessment Program Review of the Wilmington VA Medical Center, Wilmington, Delaware
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16-00548-361

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that Environment of Care Committee meeting minutes track actions taken in response to identified deficiencies to closure.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure all fire extinguishers are inspected monthly and marked with the correct date and monitor compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2019
We recommended that employees document when they access information technology network rooms by using the visitor logs and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2018
We recommended that Sterile Processing Service managers ensure Sterile Processing Service employees receive annual competencies for the types of reusable medical equipment they reprocess.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that hemodialysis unit employees wear gloves when handling patient equipment and that the hemodialysis unit manager monitors compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure clinicians consistently obtain all required laboratory tests prior to initiating warfarin treatment.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that for employees actively involved in the anticoagulant program, clinical managers include in the competency assessments drug to drug interactions associated with anticoagulation therapy and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that for employees actively involved in the anticoagulant program, clinical managers complete competency assessments annually and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/16/2018
We recommended that the facility collect and report data on patient transfers out of the facility and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that for patients transferred out of the facility, clinicians consistently include documentation of patient or surrogate informed consent and of medical and behavioral stability in transfer documentation and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/8/2019
We recommended that clinicians take and document all actions required by the facility in response to test results and that clinical managers monitor compliance.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/8/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure the Community Nursing Home Oversight Committee includes representation by all required clinical disciplines.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/8/2018
We recommended that the facility ensure integration of the community nursing home program into its quality improvement program.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/8/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure social workers and registered nurses conduct and document cyclical clinical visits with the frequency required by Veterans Health Administration policy for community nursing home oversight and monitor compliance.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that the facility update its policy on the community nursing home program to include all elements required by Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/8/2018
We recommended that a VA physician order or approve all therapies that are at VA expense.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/8/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure the community nursing home program office scans existing paper health records into electronic health records and develops a process to scan new records as they are received.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that the facility update its policy on preventing and managing disruptive and violent behavior.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that the VA Police Officer and the Patient Advocate consistently attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/14/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure all employees receive Level 1 Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior training and additional training as required for their assigned risk area within 90 days of hire and that training is documented in employee training records.
Healthcare Inspection – Quality of Care and Other Concerns, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Illinois
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15-04546-374

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/20/2017
We recommended that the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Director ensure that patients in the Community Living Center receive appropriate fall risk ratings and individualized fall intervention plans.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/27/2018
We recommended that the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Director ensure compliance with Veterans Health Administration policies on Emergency Department provider coverage.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/26/2018
We recommended that the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Director ensure compliance with Veterans Health Administration and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center policies on hand hygiene practices.
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