Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas

This Office of Inspector General Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report describes the results of a focused evaluation of the inpatient and outpatient care provided at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and multiple outpatient clinics in Texas. This evaluation focused on five key operational areas: • Leadership and organizational risks • Quality, safety, and value • Medical staff privileging • Environment of care • Mental health (emergency department and urgent care center suicide prevention initiatives) The OIG issued three recommendations for improvement in three areas: 1. Leadership and Organizational Risks • Institutional disclosures for sentinel events 2. Medical Staff Privileging • Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations by providers with equivalent training and similar privileges 3. Environment of Care • Furnishings and equipment safe and in good repair