Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana

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 Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and multiple outpatient clinics in Arkansas, Louisiana, and 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 15 recommendations for improvement in three areas:1. Medical Staff Privileging• Focused Professional Practice Evaluation completion• Equivalent specialized training and similar privileges• Service-specific criteria• Privileging and reprivileging recommendations2. Environment of Care• Inspection frequency• Naloxone in Automated External Defibrillator cabinets• Expired supplies• Clean floors• Safe and functional environment• Furnishings safe and in good repair• Damaged walls• Stained ceiling tiles• Signage in areas with recording equipment3. Mental Health• Assessment of lethality of most recent suicide attempt