VA Secretary Eric Shinseki is under fire following reports from several VA Medical Centers and Clinics that employees manipulated patient wait times to make it appear they were being seen within the required timeframes. Allegations at the Phoenix VA Medical Center include patient deaths as a result of excessive wait times.
The VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is currently investigating these allegations. Despite calls for Secretary Shinseki’s resignation by some veterans organizations and members of Congress, he has indicated he will not resign from his post. Late last week, he issued a requirement for audits across the VA, which are in addition to the OIG investigations.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee last week issued a subpoena to the Secretary requesting the release of VA information and email communications records. The vote to support the subpoena was unanimous among Democratic and Republican Members.
The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee has requested Secretary Shinseki testify regarding the allegations this morning.
VetsFirst urges VA to quickly identify and respond to the conclusive facts of the OIG’s report as soon as it is finalized. We also urge Secretary Shinseki to manage these issues decisively. Many veterans with disabilities rely on the VA health care system and the continuity of their long-term health care is vital. However, fundamental trust in how that system is led, organized, and administered is necessary for veterans to feel safe while receiving care.
We will continue to monitor developments and will insist on swift action at VA as soon as more definitive information becomes available.