Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
22-00238-213
VISN
1
State
Texas
District
Continental
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Major Management Challenges
Benefits for Veterans
Recommendations
3
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary

This Office of Inspector General Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report describes the results of a focused evaluation of the inpatient and outpatient care provided at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and multiple outpatient clinics in Texas. This evaluation focused on five key operational areas: • Leadership and organizational risks • Quality, safety, and value • Medical staff privileging • Environment of care • Mental health (emergency department and urgent care center suicide prevention initiatives) The OIG issued three recommendations for improvement in three areas: 1. Leadership and Organizational Risks • Institutional disclosures for sentinel events 2. Medical Staff Privileging • Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations by providers with equivalent training and similar privileges 3. Environment of Care • Furnishings and equipment safe and in good repair

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)

The Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures leaders conduct institutional disclosures for applicable sentinel events.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Chief of Staff evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures practitioners with equivalent specialized training and similar privileges complete Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations of licensed independent practitioners.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Deputy Director evaluates and determines any additional reasons for noncompliance and ensures staff keep furnishings and equipment safe and in good repair.