Combined Assessment Program Summary Report - Evaluation of Registered Nurse Competency Processes in Veterans Health Administration Facilities

OIG completed an evaluation of registered nurse (RN) competency processes in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. The purposes of the evaluation were to determine whether facilities: (1) established policy/process requirements for initial and ongoing RN competency assessment and validation, (2) addressed key components in competency assessment and validation documentation, (3) completed RN competency assessment and validation in accordance with local policy, and (4) identified actions to be taken when an individual cannot demonstrate competency. OIG conducted this review at 29 facilities during Combined Assessment Program reviews performed from April 1–September 30, 2011, and identified three areas where RN competency processes needed improvement. OIG recommended that specific RN competency assessment and validation requirements be established to ensure consistency among facilities, that competency validation documentation include all elements required by Joint Commission standards and local policy, that all competency documentation be present in competency folders and be current and validated, and that appropriate actions be taken when competency expectations are not met.