Noteboom The Law Firm

Issues Arise with how Veterans Health Administration Manages Health Care

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has had some recent problems with managing their contracts with medical facilities and health care providers. Those problems have resulted millions of dollars in losses.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the mismanagement problems likely cost the VHA up to $174 million in "missed opportunities for savings" between 2006 and 2010. During that same time period, the VHA lost out on the ability to cut the costs of those provided services by about 30%.

In the interest of procuring training for VA professionals, the VHA is allowed to "enter into sole-source contracts" with specific academic establishments and teaching hospitals. There are certain requirements that must be met in entering into such contracts, and this is where the VHA failed.

Some of the problems that have arisen include:

 

• gaps in training;
• poor planning;
• deficient management resources;
• pricing data problems; and
• conflicts of interest.

 

The OIG found the VHA has simply not given the proper training regarding issues involving conflict of interests. The OIG was also critical of the VHA in their acquisition planning, their lack of defining contracting duties, and as a result, officers not meeting their responsibilities. The OIG made 11 recommended changes, which the VHA has already started implementing.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.