Federal Reports

The OIG conducted a healthcare inspection to assess concerns about possible abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of veterans residing in medical foster homes (MFH) operated by Mr. and Mrs. X under the purview of the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center (facility), Columbus, Ohio. The OIG did not substantiate veterans residing in MFH-1 were at imminent risk for abuse or neglect. The OIG could not substantiate that the two veterans who designated Mr. X as financial power of attorney (POA) were at imminent risk for financial exploitation. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policy discourages MFH caregivers from managing the financial affairs of their residents, but the veterans appeared to have decision-making capacity and were satisfied with the designation. After determining the MFHs were in violation of VHA policy, the facility revoked VA’s approval for all of Mr. and Mrs. X’s MFHs. However, the facility’s MFH coordinator did not consistently facilitate communication, collaboration, and follow-up, which may have limited joint problem-solving opportunities that would have allowed the MFHs to remain in good standing. VA-approved MFHs must meet state licensure requirements as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 5122-33 Adult Care Facility (ACF) Regulations. The OAC applies to facilities with 3–16 unrelated adults, at least 3 of whom require personal care. VA-approved MFHs housing only veterans are not required to have an actual state license. Because MFH-1 now has three unrelated adults requiring personal care but does not have official VA MFH designation, it is subject to OAC regulations, which prohibits ACF staff from holding a resident’s POA. According to Ohio regulations, MFH-1 must also secure state licensure to operate legally as an MFH. Although VHA policy was silent on reporting cases of MFH revocation to outside entities, MFH staff had notified state authorities that veterans still resided in MFH-1.

The OIG and the FBI jointly investigated allegations that two employees stole school funds from the Shonto Preparatory School (SPS) in Arizona, which is funded by grants from the Bureau of Indian Education.The investigation determined that former SPS Business Manager Felicia Barlow stole $20,430.87 by fraudulently obtaining three SPS checks. Barlow pled guilty to one count in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1163, Embezzlement and theft from Indian tribal organizations, in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, and was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay $20,430.87 in restitution. A second SPS employee was not charged.

Oklahoma did not follow its policies and procedures to ensure there was evidence in Title IV-E case files to support that all required health care services were provided to Title IV-E children in foster care. Nor were there Medicaid claims in the State's Medicaid Management Information System to support that all of the children whose case files lacked documentation received the required services.