Senators Corker and Alexander today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric K. Shinseki calling on the VA to conduct a “through, open and transparent” audit following reports of neglect at some of its medical facilities, including allegations that up to 40 patients may have died because of delayed care at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. While Secretary Shinseki recently announced a “face-to-face” audit of all VA medical facilities, the senators urged the department to consider using a third-party auditor to ensure the review “is independent and transparent, and also requested information on Tennessee VA facilities. “The gravity of these allegations demands a thorough, open and transparent investigation,” wrote the senators. “As the VA conducts its internal audit, we urge you to consider partnering with an outside organization and conduct a joint review, or use a third-party auditor to examine the claims made against the VA to help ensure the review is independent and transparent.” Corker and Alexander said if allegations of records manipulation at the Phoenix VA are found to be true, it “would represent a massive failure of the VA” and would “demonstrate a complete breach of faith with the community it is mandated to serve.” The senators also asked Shinseki to provide specific information regarding the average time Tennessee veterans are waiting for care at VA facilities. “At the completion of the audit, in addition to the findings and recommendations, we request that you provide us with the average time between patients presenting themselves and when they receive treatment at all VA facilities in Tennessee,” they continued. “Our veterans deserve better, and we intend to closely monitor the investigation to ensure they receive every benefit they have earned.” Read more here: 1.usa.gov/1hKqw6X.
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 23:22:02 +0000
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