“I would like to know what steps you are taking to investigate and audit the appointment process at VA facilities nationwide in order to ascertain how widespread this problem is,” Grassley wrote to Acting Inspector General Richard J. Griffin. “Naturally, I am particularly anxious to confirm that the VA facilities that serve Iowans are not falsifying appointment records and Iowans are seen within a reasonable time. This includes the Iowa City VA Medical Center, the Central Iowa VA Medical Center, the Omaha VA Medical Center, the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center, and community based outpatient clinics in Iowa attached to those medical centers.”
Grassley asked the inspector general to provide him and his staff with information about the scope of his current investigation, how he intends to review the processes at VA medical facilities nationwide, and the timeline of his review. Grassley also asked to be kept informed as the investigation progresses.
The Veterans Affairs allegations began with the Phoenix, Arizona, Veterans Affairs medical center. Allegations of similar problems then emerged about Veterans Affairs facilities in Colorado and Texas.
Grassley is not aware of any current problems involving medical care delays at Iowa Veterans Affairs facilities, though he said he hopes the inspector general’s review will be national since at least three states are alleged to have medical care delays. “It’s important to look into the allegations and verify the scope of the problem, including whether the problems are widespread,” Grassley said. “Knowing those answers is key toward improving the quality of care for veterans and stopping any unacceptable practices.”
In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general released a “Review of Quality of Care, Management, and Operations” of the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Grassley requested the report after employees and patients contacted his office with concerns about the direction of the facility and its potential impact on patient care. The inspector general found management shortcomings and low employee morale but did not find immediate quality of care problems.
The text of Grassley’s letter this week to the acting inspector general about the new allegations in other states is available here.
