Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Albany Healthcare System in New York

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
25-00256-276
VISN
1
State
New York
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Healthcare Facility Inspection
Report Topic
Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times
Care Coordination
Community Care
Healthcare Infrastructure
Major Management Challenges
Healthcare Services
Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Healthcare Facility Inspection program report describes the results of a focused evaluation of the care provided at the VA Albany Healthcare System in New York.

This evaluation focused on five key domains: 
     •    Culture 
     •    Environment of care 
     •    Patient safety 
     •    Integrated veteran care 
     •    Veteran-centered safety net

The OIG made four recommendations for VA to correct identified issues in two domains: 
     •    Environment of care 
       o    Protected health information 
       o    Clean environment, including food and medication refrigerators 
     •    Patient safety 
       o    Performance data for test result communication
 

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Director takes appropriate actions to have staff safeguard patients’ protected health information, as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Director takes appropriate actions to have staff maintain a clean environment, consistent with Veterans Health Administration Directive 1608(1), Comprehensive Environment of Care Program.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Director takes appropriate actions to have staff maintain clean food and medication refrigerators, in accordance with Veterans Health Administration Directive 1608(1), Comprehensive Environment of Care Program.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/25/2026

The Chief of Staff and Associate Director for Patient Care Services monitor performance data for test result communication, as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1088(1), Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients.