“… This report contains a summary of the major management challenges addressed by OIG’s work and the status of VA’s efforts to redress them. Six areas were identified through OIG’s oversight of the VA: (1) Strengthening leadership and workforce investments, (2) Improving health care access and quality of care, (3) Ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of benefits services, (4) Enhancing financial management and controls, (5) Overseeing the compliance and integrity of procurement practices, and (6) Minimizing risks and increasing effectiveness for information management systems.”
“The OIG conducts extensive oversight of VA programs and operations in each of these six areas through independent audits, inspections, investigations, and reviews. The OIG recognizes the Veterans Health Administration has the largest integrated public health system in the nation with prodigious changes underway for enhancing care, including expanding community care; implementing a new electronic health records system; and modernizing core systems—all while tackling veteran suicide, the opioid crisis, and other vital issues.”
“The Veterans Benefits Administration implements a massive and complicated benefits system challenged by changes in technology and in its claims and appeals processes. In addition, the National Cemetery Administration strives to deliver services and benefits in a compassionate and efficient manner. Each of these administrations requires stable leadership throughout its organization, adequate numbers of trained qualified staff, and effective quality assurance.”
“While primarily focused on these significant challenges, OIG continues to see deficiencies in these and other key areas. This report recognizes where significant progress has been made and commends all VA leaders and personnel who have identified challenges and promotes high-quality services and benefits to the nation’s veterans and their families…” Read the full 45-page report here.
Source: Fiscal Year 2019 Inspector General’s Report on VA’s Major Management and Performance Challenges – March 2020. VA OIG.
