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Review of Allegations at VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
10-01937-63
VISN
State
Rhode Island
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Audits and Evaluations
Report Type
Audit
Recommendations
9
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The purpose of this review was to determine the validity of 11 allegations received relating to financial and administrative matters at the VA Medical Center (VAMC), Providence, RI. We partially or fully substantiated 7 of the 11 allegations made by the complainant. We identified opportunities for management to improve oversight and strengthen controls over financial and administrative activities. Providence VAMC officials did not always ensure applicable laws and policies were followed. We also questioned costs totaling $4,444 related to misuse of appropriated funds. Additionally, for two of the four allegations we did not substantiate, we identified issues requiring action. We recommended strengthening the oversight and compliance with policies and procedures, as well as improving controls to ensure employees comply with applicable laws and policies. The VISN 1 Director concurred with our findings and recommendations and provided an appropriate action plan. The planned actions are responsive and we will follow up on the implementation of corrective actions.

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 the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director establish controls to ensure the Providence VA Medical Center accurately certifies its Annual Certification of Accounting Records.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure the Providence VA Medical Center Director terminates this contract, and if the services are still needed, recruits and hires under appropriate civil service procedures.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director require the Providence VA Medical Center Director to implement controls ensuring all fund obligations are accompanied by supporting documentation to justify the obligation as required by law.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure service contracts are awarded based on adequate competition or, if competition is not feasible, are supported by limited or sole-source justifications as required by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure the Providence VA Medical Center Director establishes controls to ensure appropriated funds are used only for the intended purpose of the appropriation.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure the Providence VA Medical Center Director requires the Designated Education Officer to obtain and oversee annual rate changes for disbursing agreements.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure the Providence VA Medical Center Director charges the Chief of Facilities Management Service 25 days of annual leave because his absence was not supported by an approved written justification.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure the Providence VA Medical Center Director institutes a control that ensures at the point timecards are certified appropriate documentation in support of approved excused absences is in place.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Director ensure the Providence VA Medical Center Director requires the property owner to make necessary repairs to alleviate future water leaks and damage, and if not repaired, moves employees in the affected areas to a more suitable workspace.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 4,444.00