Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Tuscaloosa Healthcare System in Alabama

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
26-00038-262
VISN
2
State
Alabama
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
Community Care
Healthcare Infrastructure
Patient Care Services Operations
Patient Safety
Major Management Challenges
Healthcare Services
Recommendations
2
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 Tuscaloosa Healthcare System in Alabama.

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

The OIG made two recommendations for VA to correct identified issues in two domains:  
     •    Environment of care  
       o    Storage of cleaning supplies 
     •    Patient Safety 
       o    Service-level workflows for test result communications
 

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 action so staff properly store cleaning supplies and leaders monitor corrective actions for sustained compliance, in accordance with Veterans Health Administration Directive 1131, Management of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention and Control Programs.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/4/2026

The Director takes appropriate action so staff update the facility policy for communicating test results and develop service-level workflows that describe team members’ roles in the process, as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1088(1), Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients.