Pervasive Infection Control Deficiencies Exposed at US VA Nursing Homes

Senators Edward J. Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Jon Tester have highlighted the pressing need for improved infection control at US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes, following a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO analysis of VA-operated community living centers (CLCs) from Fiscal Years 2015 through 2019 revealed widespread infection control deficiencies, including a 95% rate of at least one deficiency during the review period. The report found that 62% of inspected CLCs had consecutive fiscal year infection prevention and control deficiencies, while an additional 19% had multiple nonconsecutive deficiencies.

Key Takeaways:

• A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report analyzed data on VA-operated community living centers (CLCs) from Fiscal Years 2015 through 2019, revealing pervasive infection control deficiencies.
• 95% of CLCs had at least one infection control deficiency during the five-year review period, with 62% having consecutive fiscal year deficiencies.
• An additional 19% of CLCs had multiple nonconsecutive infection prevention deficiencies, suggesting ongoing issues.
• The senators, Markey, Warren, and Tester, have requested urgent action to address these deficiencies and improve infection control practices at VA-operated facilities.
• The GAO report highlights the need for the VA to monitor quality of care in community living centers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics:

• 95% of VA-operated community living centers had at least one infection control deficiency from Fiscal Year 2015 to 2019.
• 62% of CLCs had consecutive fiscal year infection prevention and control deficiencies.
• 19% of CLCs had multiple nonconsecutive infection prevention deficiencies.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has placed veterans and nursing staff in VA-operated facilities at a higher risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

Sources:

• Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, news release
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) report: GAO-21-195R
• Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chair Jon Tester (D-Mont.)
• Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)