Federal Reports

Objective: To (1) evaluate internal controls over the accounting and reporting of administrative costs by the Texas Disability Determination Services (TXDDS) for Fiscal Years (FY) 2018 and 2019, as well as indirect costs for FY 2017; (2) determine whether the administrative costs claimed on the most recently submitted Form SSA-4513 were allowable and properly allocated; (3) reconcile funds drawn down with claimed costs; and (4) assess the general security controls environment.Note: 1 of 9 recommendations not published; related to a sensitive IT matter.

The Transportation Security Card Program Assessment (Public Law 114-278) requires DHS to assess the effectiveness of the Transportation Security Card Program and to prepare a corrective action plan (CAP) to respond to any findings. Our objective was to determine DHS’ compliance with the public law. We determined that DHS did not fully comply with the public law. TSA and the Coast Guard prepared, and DHS submitted, a CAP to Congress in June 2020. Although the CAP identified corrective actions for one area, it did not address four issues we consider significant. We recommended that DHS, in consultation with TSA and Coast Guard, re-evaluate the assessment to determine if further corrective actions are needed or justify excluding significant issues from the CAP. DHS did not concur with the recommendation, but we consider DHS’ actions partially responsive to the recommendation. We consider the recommendation open and unresolved.

We did not substantiate the allegations that a tribal administrator misused tribal funds.

OIG evaluated OASCR’s oversight of the civil rights complaints process.

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report provides a focused evaluation of the leadership performance and oversight by Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19: VA Rocky Mountain Network in Glendale, Colorado, covering leadership and organizational risks and key processes associated with promoting quality care. This inspection focused on Quality, Safety, and Value; Medical Staff Credentialing; Environment of Care; Mental Health: Suicide Prevention; Care Coordination: Inter-facility Transfers; and Women’s Health: Comprehensive Care.The VISN’s executive leadership team had worked together for nearly six months at the time of the OIG’s review. All members of the leadership team were permanently assigned, and two members had over 30 years of VA experience. Selected survey scores related to employees’ satisfaction with the VISN executive team leaders were generally higher than VHA averages. However, the Deputy Network Director had opportunities to improve employee perceptions of leadership. Patient experience survey scores were similar to VHA averages.The OIG’s review of access metrics and clinical vacancies did not identify any substantial organizational risk factors. The executive leaders seemed to support efforts to improve and maintain patient safety, quality care, and other positive outcomes. They were also knowledgeable within their scope of responsibilities about selected Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning metrics and should continue to take actions to sustain and improve performance.The OIG issued four recommendations for improvement in three areas:(1) Quality, Safety, and Value• Peer review summary data(2) Medical Staff Credentialing• Physician credential file review(3) Women’s Health• Quarterly program updates• Staff education gaps assessments