Federal Reports

DHS generally met deadlines for responding to simple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, it did not do so for most complex requests. A significant increase in requests received, coupled with resource constraints, limited DHS’ ability to meet production timelines under FOIA, creating a litigation risk for the Department. Additionally, DHS has not always fully documented its search efforts, making it difficult for the Department to defend the reasonableness of the searches undertaken. With respect to responding to congressional requests, we determined DHS has established a timeliness goal of 15 business days or less; however, on average, it took DHS nearly twice as long to provide substantive responses to Congress, with some requests going unanswered for up to 450 business days. Further, DHS redacted personal information in its responses to congressional committee chairs even when disclosure of the information was statutorily permissible. This was a descriptive report and contained no recommendations. In its response, DHS acknowledged FOIA backlogs remain a problem, despite increasing requests processed. DHS stated its process responding to congressional requests varies greatly and that its redactions are appropriate.

To view a set of interactive dashboards with up-to-date data on COVID-19 cases in this facility, click the link below.

To view a set of interactive dashboards with up-to-date data on COVID-19 cases in this facility, click the link below.

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a healthcare inspection at the Nashville VA Medical Center in Tennessee to evaluate alleged deficiencies in cardiac telemetry monitoring services including policies, staffing, and communication. The OIG did not substantiate • The system’s policy related to telemetry monitoring and practices was outdated, • Staffing shortages or inadequate training of staff performing telemetry monitoring, • Telemetry patients with “do not resuscitate” orders did not receive clinically appropriate interventions, or • Nursing staff had knowledge deficits related to the care of telemetry patients with do not resuscitate orders. However, there were identified isolated communication issues between telemetry technicians and telemetry patient nurses related to the specific location and movement of telemetry patients while in the hospital. The OIG did not make a recommendation since an electronic patient tracking system was available in case of an emergency. In addition, in 2018, facility leaders identified other telemetry communication issues. The OIG reviewed facility leaders’ actions and noted overall improvement since staff training in February 2019. Therefore, the OIG made no recommendation. The OIG identified improper reusable medical equipment practices with the return of used and contaminated telemetry boxes and the location of clean supplies. System leaders took immediate steps and the OIG determined that no further action was indicated. The OIG determined the rapid response team policy and staff practice regarding the initiation of a rapid response team call did not always align, which is important to mitigate system vulnerabilities. The OIG made one recommendation to the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Director to ensure consistency between the system’s policy and actual practice for initiating a rapid response team call.