Review of Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Other Outpatient Clinics of Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, Biloxi, Mississippi

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
14-04380-79
VISN
State
Alabama
Florida
Mississippi
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
10
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General conducted a review of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System’s Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and other outpatient clinics to evaluate for safe, consistent, and high-quality health care. The review evaluated the clinics’ compliance with selected VHA requirements for alcohol use disorder, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, and outpatient documentation. We also randomly selected the Mobile Outpatient Clinic, Mobile, AL, CBOC as a representative site and evaluated the environment of care on October 20, 2014. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made 10 recommendations in the following focused review areas: Alcohol Use Disorder, HIV Screening, and Environment of Care.

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 employees at the Mobile Outpatient Clinic CBOC receive the required training on hazardous materials.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff consistently complete diagnostic assessments for patients with a positive alcohol screen.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that Clinic Registered Nurse Care Managers receive motivational interviewing within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that licensed Providers in the outpatient clinics receive health coaching training within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Facility Director identifies a Lead Human Immunodeficiency Virus Clinician to carry out required responsibilities.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Facility Director develops policies and procedures that facilitate human immunodeficiency virus testing as part of routine medical care for patients.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Facility Director defines the requirements for communication of human immunodeficiency virus test results.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff ensures that written patient educational materials are provided to patients prior to or at the time of consent for human immunodeficiency virus testing and include all required elements.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians provide human immunodeficiency virus testing as part of routine medical care for patients and that compliance is monitored.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians consistently document informed consent for human immunodeficiency virus testing and that compliance is monitored.