Noteboom The Law Firm

VA’s Emergency Preparedness Evaluated

June 8, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a defined role in emergency situations. Given the massive and ongoing oil spill in the Gulf, a quickly approaching hurricane season, and the increased likelihood of a terrorist attack, the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations looked into the VA's role and if they are capable of meeting their obligations.  

The VA's emergency preparedness posture is also known as the Fourth Mission. This posture entails the VA being prepared for, and responding to, both natural and man made disasters. Their role is to support the Department of Defense (DoD) health care system as well as other agencies that will take on primary roles such as:

• The Red Cross;
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

In the case of an emergency, FEMA and HHS are the main players. Given the expansive size of the VA's network of hospitals and clinics, however, it is impossible to deny their value in such a time of great need. The VA health care system is comprised of:

• 153 Hospitals; and
• 788 Community outpatient clinics.

The VA's level of preparedness to meet expectations was shown to be improved after learning from difficult previous experiences. Testimony to the subcommittee included separating and distinguishing how the VA has improved from previous disasters. For example, in the days following Katrina, keeping tabs on patients became very difficult because there was no pre-existing system to follow.

One improvement highlighted for the subcommittee was the enhanced ability to track patients as they are moved around following a disaster in order to keep family members involved and confusion to a minimum. Further testimony focused on how the primary and secondary agencies will work together as part of a cohesive team.

The VA's role as a support system is to catch hospital overflow. Because planning for disasters must involve considering the worst case scenario, the smallest details like waste removal must be considered and planned for. Should another disaster occur requiring involvement at this level, the agencies should be more prepared than ever to respond properly.