Community Based Outpatient Clinic Reviews at VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-00026-190
VISN
State
New Jersey
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
9
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed the VA New Jersey Health Care System’s 11 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during the week of January 21, 2013. The purpose of the review was to assess whether the CBOCs provide veterans with consistent and safe high-quality health care. The review covered the clinical care components of women’s health cervical cancer screening and tetanus and pneumococcal vaccinations. We also randomly selected the Paterson, NJ and Piscataway, NJ CBOCs for site visits and evaluated credentialing and privileging, environment of care, and emergency management processes. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made a total of nine recommendations to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) and facility managers.

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)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians screen patients for tetanus vaccinations.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians administer tetanus vaccinations when indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians administer pneumococcal vaccinations when indicated.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians document all required pneumococcal and tetanus vaccination administration elements and that compliance is monitored.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the MSEC grants privileges that are consistent with the services provided at the Paterson and Piscataway CBOCs.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that signage is installed to direct patient to handicapped parking and accessible entrance at the Paterson CBOC.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Chief of OI&T implements, maintains, and reviews IT closet access logs at the Piscataway CBOC.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that biohazardous waste containers at the Piscataway CBOC are stored appropriately.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that Paterson and Piscataway CBOC staff are trained and knowledgeable of the CBOC’s MH emergency policy.