Healthcare Inspection Mental Health Safety Issues and Credentialing & Privileging Irregularities Alexandria VA Medical Center Pineville, Louisiana

The purpose of this review was to determine the validity of allegations regarding mental health safety issues and credentialing and privileging irregularities at the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville, LA. Four of the allegations resulted in recommendations to the VISN and Medical Center Directors. We recommended that designated staff: Complete quarterly environmental inspections of the mental health areas. Receive training on mental health environmental hazards. Develop policies and procedures for contraband. Complete suicide risk assessments and suicide safety plans for mental health inpatients. Implement a procedure for follow-up of high-risk MH outpatients and monitor for effectiveness. Track and monitor mental health corrective action plans. Sign completed Professional Standards Board action forms. Update VetPro license sections timely, attach licenses to updated sections, and monitor to assure compliance.