All Reports

Date Issued
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Report Number
16-00574-151

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that Physician Utilization Management Advisors consistently document their decisions in the National Utilization Management Integration database and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/22/2018
We recommended that Environment of Care Committee meeting minutes consistently document corrective actions taken to address rounds deficiencies and consistently track actions taken in response to identified deficiencies to closure.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/18/2017
We recommended that facility managers ensure ventilation grills and floors in patient care areas are clean and monitor compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/18/2017
We recommended that the facility repair rusted equipment in patient care areas or remove it from service.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/22/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure sinks in patient nourishment kitchens are clean and monitor compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2017
We recommended that the hemodialysis unit manager ensure sinks and floors are clean and monitor compliance.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/18/2017
We recommended that the hemodialysis unit manager ensure clean and dirty items are stored separately and monitor compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/18/2017
We recommended that the facility define a process for patient anticoagulation-related calls outside normal business hours.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/8/2018
We recommended that clinicians consistently provide transition follow-up to inpatients with newly prescribed anticoagulant medications in accordance with local policy and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure clinicians consistently obtain all required laboratory tests prior to initiating anticoagulant medications and obtain required laboratory tests during warfarin treatment at the frequency required by local policy.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that the facility collect and report data on patient transfers out of the facility as required by local policy.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure transfer notes are written by a staff/attending physician or are written by an accceptable designee and contain a staff/attending physician countersignature.
No. 13
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that providers include the evaluation of previous adverse events with anesthesia in the history and physical and pre-sedation assessment and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 14
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/5/2017
We recommended that facility managers complete exclusion review documentation when community nursing home annual reviews note four or more exclusionary criteria.
No. 15
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/18/2017
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 and monitor compliance.
No. 16
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/18/2017
We recommended that the facility implement an Employee Threat Assessment Team and that the VA Police Officer and Risk Manager consistently attend Disruptive Behavior Committee meetings.
No. 17
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that facility clinical managers ensure clinicians inform patients about the Patient Record Flags and the right to appeal Patient Record Flag placement.
No. 18
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/8/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure appropriate individuals conduct debriefings after incidents of disruptive or violent behavior and monitor compliance.
No. 19
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure all employees receive Level 1 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. 20
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that community based outpatient clinic/primary care clinic employees consistently document the offer of further treatment to patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Date Issued
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Report Number
14-00750-143

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/9/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that home telehealth staff be retrained and follow the Veterans Health Administration home telehealth process of care and documentation requirements.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that documentation accurately reflects patients’ home telehealth enrollment status as described in this report.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/19/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director review the circumstances surrounding the entry of Home Telehealth Program monthly monitor notes in electronic health records of patients discussed in this report with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel and take appropriate action as necessary.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-01436-456

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/27/2017
We recommended the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Benefits, review the improper payments identified in this report and take appropriate corrective actions when warranted.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommended the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Benefits, strengthen controls to ensure intended recipients meet entitlement requirements before authorizing automated burial payments.
No. 3
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/8/2017
We recommended the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Benefits, initiate action to ensure policies and procedures are consistent with the requirement under the United States Code of Federal Regulations that proof of death be submitted prior to the release of automated burial payments.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/27/2017
We recommended the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Benefits, initiate action to ensure policies and procedures are consistent with United States Code of Federal Regulations related to automated burial payments and recipients’ entitlement requirements prior to authorizing payments.
No. 5
Not Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 6/13/2017
We recommended the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Benefits, ensure quality assurance reviews determine whether staff inappropriately discontinued veterans’ disability benefits and assess whether spouses met entitlement requirements to receive automated burial payments.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 28,000,000.00
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-01900-142

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/2/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that routine, outpatient echocardiography studies are scheduled in accordance with Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/2/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director confer with the Office of Chief Counsel (formerly known as Regional Counsel) for possible disclosure to the patient with delayed echocardiography described in this report and take appropriate action, if any.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/2/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that echocardiography technicians are offered opportunities for re-training and continuing education to improve the quality of the echocardiography image acquisition.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/2/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that cardiology managers establish performance improvement activities for the echocardiography technicians in accordance with facility policy.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-01818-213

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/1/2017
We recommended the Procurement and Logistics Office, Service Area Office West Director ensure Network Contracting Office 18 contracting officers maintain required contracting documentation in the Electronic Contract Management System, as required by VA Procurement Policy Memorandum, Mandatory Usage of VA's Electronic Contract Management System.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/4/2017
We recommended the Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensure the just over $12.4 million in unauthorized commitments are ratified in accordance with VA Directive 7401.7, Unauthorized Commitments and Ratification.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/1/2017
We recommended the Phoenix VA Health Care System Director develop a business case to evaluate the hiring of VA ophthalmologists and the use of Non-VA Care options, such as the Patient-Centered Care Program and as defined in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/1/2017
We recommended the Phoenix VA Health Care System Director ensure staff are aware of Federal Acquisition Regulation sections 6.301 and 3.101-1 related to sole-source contracting and standards of conduct.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-02189-336

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 5/1/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology implement improved controls to ensure the effective oversight of information technology projects and compliance with information technology project management procedures in order to ensure delivery of value.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 5/1/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology enforce the use of the Project Management Accountability System or Veteran-focused Integration Process on all Office of Information and Technology software development projects to ensure that such efforts will provide an adequate return on investment.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 5/1/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology establish oversight mechanisms to ensure all VA-developed software costs are funded with Information Technology Systems appropriations.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 5,300,000.00
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-03401-76

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/2/2018
We recommended the Medical Center Director assess the human resources program at the Atlanta VA Medical Center to develop an action plan to ensure all medical center staff have appropriate background investigations and determinations are accurately recorded.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/18/2017
We recommended the Medical Center Director ensure all suitability adjudicators receive the mandatory training and background investigation required for the position.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/12/2017
We recommended the Medical Center Director provide training to all human resources staff on the requirements of the personnel suitability program to include generally accepted resources and tools to standardize the processing of background investigations.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/18/2017
We recommended the Medical Center Director ensure the Atlanta VA Medical Center human resources staff, to include the Drug-Free Workplace Program Coordinators and Medical Review Officers, are properly trained on the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Program and the responsibilities of their positions.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/7/2017
We recommended the Medical Center Director review the Drug-Free Workplace Program on a regular basis to ensure compliance with regulations and that employees hired during screening gaps are subject to corrective testing.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-04673-333

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2018
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health streamline processes and procedures for accessing care under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2019
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health develop accurate forecasts of demand for care purchased in the community.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2017
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health simplify requirements for network providers to bill for services under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/1/2018
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health ensure eligible veterans are not financially liable for the full cost of treatment authorized under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/2/2018
We recommended the Under Secretary of Health ensure community providers are paid in a timely manner under the Veterans Choice Program.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/14/2017
We recommended the Under Secretary for Health review the Veterans Choice Program to determine if growth of provider networks is being limited by allowing reimbursement below Medicare rates.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-00075-449

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/31/2017
We recommended that facility managers ensure that surgical intensive care unit floors are clean and that damaged bathroom fixtures on the surgical intensive care unit are repaired or replaced.
Date Issued
|
Report Number
14-04578-371

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 7/9/2020
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to ensure recruitment and relocation incentives are fully justified and authorized before being included on vacancy announcements for hard-to-fill positions or before the final selectee is identified in cases where a position is not filled through a vacancy announcement.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/5/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office to ensure Senior Executive Service recruitment and relocation incentives are fully justified and authorized before being included on vacancy announcements for hard-to-fill positions or before the final selectee is identified in cases where a position is not filled through a vacancy announcement.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 7/9/2020
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to monitor compliance with its employee certification requirement before relocation incentives are authorized for payment.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/5/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls to monitor the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office’s compliance with the employee certification requirement before Senior Executive Service relocation incentives are authorized for payment.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 3/1/2018
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to monitor facilities’ compliance with developing workforce and succession plans to reduce the risk of long-term reliance on retention incentives.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 11/22/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls to monitor the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office’s compliance with developing workforce and succession plans to reduce the risk of long-term reliance on retention incentives for Senior Executives.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 9/19/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration monitor the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office to ensure its technical review and recommendations to the VA Chief of Staff regarding Senior Executive Service incentives are prudent and in full compliance with VA Handbook 5007/46.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 1/5/2017
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration assess the feasibility of limiting the number of consecutive years employees in specific occupations or groups of employees in specific occupations can receive retention incentive payments.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 5/18/2018
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration review and update procedures and add internal controls for Administrations to monitor facilities’ compliance with VA Handbook 5007/46 requirements to initiate debt collection from individuals who did not fulfill their recruitment, relocation, or retention incentive service obligations.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Human Resources and Administration Office (HRA),Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Closure Date: 5/18/2018
We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration examine the capabilities of the HR Smart personnel system to determine the extent to which it is possible to develop an incentive-specific automated alert that notifies Human Resources personnel when employees have outstanding recruitment, relocation, or retention incentive service obligations.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 162,600,000.00