Results From 140 Veterans Affairs Investigations Have Not Been Released, USA Today Reports
The newspaper says the lack of public disclosure of investigations going back to 2006 may leave "dangerous problems to fester." Meanwhile, Sen. Al Franken reintroduces legislation to help veterans and one charity works with technology firms to get services for vets.
USA Today:
VA Doesn't Release 140 Vet Health Care Probe Findings
The Department of Veterans Affairs' chief watchdog has not publicly released the findings of 140 health care investigations since 2006, potentially leaving dangerous problems to fester without proper oversight, a USA TODAY analysis of VA documents found. It is impossible to know how many of the investigations uncovered serious problems without seeing the reports, but all concerned VA medical care provided to veterans or complaints of clinical misconduct. (Slack, 3/8)
The Hill:
Franken Offers Bill To Reduce VA Backlog
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) has reintroduced legislation to cut down the backlog for disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 2015 would allow veterans who have backlogged claims — those pending for more than 125 days — to visit local, non-VA doctors for their initial disability exam. (Carney, 3/6)
The Washington Post:
Health Care For Veterans Goes High Tech
The charity [Give An Hour] now teams up regularly with technology firms to help veterans. It has worked with the likes of Google to reach more veterans through a series of video chats. It paired with Booz Allen Hamilton to analyze program data to better deliver services. And it is exploring a partnership with Doctor on Demand, an app that gives users 15-minute appointments with doctors, virtually. Technology is critical in overcoming the stigma around mental health issues, said [Barbara] Van Dahlen, who launched a national campaign to raise awareness about the topic in Washington last week. (Jayakumar, 3/8)
