Healthcare Inspection – Resident Supervision in the Operating Room, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina

OIG conducted a review in response to a complainant’s allegation that inexperienced and first-year residents in the Anesthesiology Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center were improperly supervised while in the operating room. We conducted an unannounced site visit at the facility and immediately inspected the operating room. We did not substantiate the allegation that anesthesiology residents were inadequately supervised while in the operating room. We concluded that supervisory practices and expectations were clearly understood and adhered to by facility attending physicians, residents, and operating room staff. We made no recommendations.