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Final Evaluation Report: Evaluation of OPM's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the Executive Summary: "In January 2020, the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019, known as COVID-19, was declared a global public health emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic spread quickly across the United States, forcing cities to impose stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders in March and April 2020. In June 2020, Representative Gerald E. Connolly, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Operations, requested that we examine the plans and procedures of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for returning employees to Federal offices during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, we sought to determine whether OPM's plan for returning employees to its offices followed existing guidance and best practices to reduce the risk of employees' exposure to COVID-19."
United States. Office of Personnel Management. Office of Inspector General
2021-05-06
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SBA's Handling of Identity Theft in the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
From the Document: "The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this Evaluation report to notify Small Business Administration (SBA) officials of significant matters regarding its handling of complaints of identity theft in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. [...] In this review, SBA examined the subcontractor system's notes in the loan file. Agency staff compared the possible victim's addresses and phone number to the application information using Google and LexisNexis. Agency staff also performed a public record search to confirm the existence of the business, often checking online information from the appropriate Secretary of State and county tax assessor."
United States. Small Business Administration. Office of the Inspector General
2021-05-06
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EPA Did Not Conduct Agencywide Risk Assessment of CARES Act Appropriations, Increasing Risk of Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Mismanagement
From the Document: "In response to the coronavirus pandemic--that is, the SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] virus and resultant COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] disease--the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated an evaluation under Project No. OA&E-FY20-0234 [hyperlink] of the Agency's internal controls for the emergency supplemental appropriations provided to the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act. The objectives of this evaluation were to document and assess the internal controls that the EPA implemented to mitigate risks of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement over the CARES Act appropriations."
United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of the Inspector General
2021-05-04
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Key Insights: COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities
From the Key Insights: "The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee's recent update to its Top Challenges for the Pandemic noted that while federal agencies have always prioritized health and safety, the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has created several unique challenges--such as limiting the transmission of the virus in correctional and detention facilities maintained and operated by the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and the Interior. This report summarizes oversight work from those Offices of Inspectors General related to the steps these federal agencies have taken to prevent the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their staff and the individuals housed in federal correctional and detention facilities."
Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
2021-05-12
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Metering Update: May 2020
From the Introduction: "Since April 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have been stationed at the United States' international boundary with Mexico and have informed arriving asylum seekers that U.S. ports of entry are full. Simultaneously, CBP officials also began accepting limited numbers of asylum seekers each day, in a process that is known as metering. As lines of asylum seekers grew longer in border cities, Mexican authorities and civil society groups responded by providing humanitarian assistance and creating informal waitlists. On March 20, 2020, CBP stopped processing asylum seekers at ports of entry, due to the spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. At this time, CBP announced that it would 'only be processing individuals for essential travel' [hyperlink] at U.S. ports of entry, and did not include processing asylum seekers in its list of essential travel activities. This announcement has been repeatedly extended, with the current update noting that CBP's changes would 'remain in place until June 22, 2020' [hyperlink]. This report by the Robert S. Strauss Center at The University of Texas at Austin and the Center for U.S.- Mexican Studies (USMEX) at the University of California San Diego provides an update on metering along the U.S.-Mexico border amid CBP's suspension. It covers how the shutdown has affected metering lists and asylum seekers along the border, and how migrant shelters have responded to the spread of COVID-19."
University of Texas at Austin. Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law; University of California, San Diego. Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies
Leutert, Stephanie; Arvey, Savitri; Ezzell, Ellie . . .
2020-05
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Interim Report - Status of Coronavirus Response Funding
From the Highlights: "This audit is one in a series of audits being conducted by TIGTA [Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration] as part of our oversight role of the IRS's [Internal Revenue Service] response to the coronavirus pandemic, including implementation of the applicable Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provisions. Our overall objective was to evaluate controls implemented by the IRS to ensure that the $765.7 million in appropriated funds received for its coronavirus response is adequately tracked and used only for the intended purpose. TIGTA is issuing this interim audit report to provide information about the status of the IRS's coronavirus response funding as of September 30, 2020. TIGTA plans to issue a subsequent report in Fiscal Year 2022 that will supplement the information in this report."
United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration
2021-05-05
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[Memorandum from Deborah L. Harker to Jacob Leibenluft Regarding American Rescue Plan- Application of Lessons Learned from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, May 17, 2021]
From the Document: "The 'Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act' (CARES Act) assigned the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) Office of Inspector General (OIG) with responsibility for monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) monies. The CRF was appropriated $150 billion for Treasury to make payments to States, Tribal governments, units of local government, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. Treasury OIG was given authority to recoup funds in the event that it is determined a recipient of a CRF payment failed to comply with the 'Uses of Funds' requirements of subsection 601(d) of the Social Security Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 801(d)). Through our CRF monitoring and oversight work to date, we have identified certain lessons learned with respect to the implementation and administration of the CRF program. We believe that these lessons learned are valuable for management's consideration in implementing the 'American Rescue Plan Act' (ARP) programs. Accordingly, we are sharing this report with recommendations for your awareness and consideration."
United States. Department of the Treasury. Office of Inspector General
Harker, Deborah L.
2021-05-17
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Oversight of the Internal Revenue Service's Response to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
From the Background: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 were enacted to provide financial relief and economic stimulus to American taxpayers. Subsequently, on March 11, 2021, the President signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law. This Act includes approximately $1.9 trillion in economic relief and stimulus to address the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. It also contains numerous tax-related provisions intended to provide relief to individuals and businesses. These provisions will have a significant impact on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operations and Federal tax administration. The Act provides the IRS with over $1.8 billion in additional funding for the implementation of certain provisions, including advance payments and taxpayer assistance, and for modernizing and securing IRS systems. Much of this additional funding will remain available to the IRS through Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. After the enactment of the CARES Act, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) immediately shifted resources to provide comprehensive oversight of the IRS's implementation of this Act."
United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration
2021-04-21?
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Limited-Scope Review of the Executive Office for Immigration Review's Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
From the Objectives: "As part of its oversight efforts in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated a limited-scope review of the Executive Office for Immigration Review's (EOIR) handling of certain challenges presented in conducting operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed: (1) EOIR's communication to staff, parties to proceedings, and the public about immigration court operations; (2) its ability to mitigate health risks while maintaining operations during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) its use of worksite flexibilities; and (4) its use of personal protective equipment (PPE)."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2021-04
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Quarterly Report to the United States Congress: January 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021
From the Introductory Message: "Writing from Valley Forge 243 years ago today, George Washington asked Congress to confirm Friedrich A. W. von Steuben to the brand-new 'Office of Inspector General' for the Continental Army. A Prussian immigrant and experienced soldier, von Steuben reduced waste of arms and ammunition, imposed military discipline, and represented Washington before Congress. Congress later recognized von Steuben for promoting 'a spirit of order and [e]conomy' in the Army resulting in 'immense savings' during the War of Independence. SIGPR [Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery] hopes to emulate von Steuben's dedication and tenacity. At SIGPR, that means we will bring to justice anyone who has taken advantage of emergency relief and sought to wrongfully profit from the pandemic. Our mission is simple: make federal cases. All SIGPR investigative efforts are driving toward the goal of proving violations of federal law that can be used to obtain convictions and civil judgments. Our audits are aimed at improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act programs."
United States. Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery
2021-04-30
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Reporting and Monitoring Personal Protective Equipment Inventory During the Pandemic
From the Executive Summary: "The spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] drastically increased the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and significantly disrupted the global supply chain for items such as face coverings, gloves, and gowns. VA [Department of Veterans Affairs], which has the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation, was faced with competing for PPE both in its service to millions of veterans and as part of its fourth mission. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) received allegations from its hotline that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical facilities could not acquire and maintain adequate inventory to keep pace with escalating needs. The OIG assessed how VHA reported and monitored its PPE supply levels during the pandemic and solicited information about whether facilities ran out of PPE or experienced significant shortages, as well as lessons learned. Without reliable information on its PPE inventory, VHA cannot effectively assess demand, monitor stock levels, or identify supply shortages at facilities. Shortages can jeopardize the health of frontline personnel, patients, their families or caregivers, and the general public."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
Morris, Daniel; Claiborne, Cherelle; Clay, Katherine . . .
2021-02-24
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Performance Audit of the Implementation of OMB COVID-19 Flexibilities - University of Alaska Fairbanks
From the Document: "This memorandum transmits the Cotton & Company LLP [limited liability partnership] (C&C) report for the audit of the implementation of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) flexibilities at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) for the period March 1 to September 30, 2020. The audit encompassed approximately $380,000 of the more than $18.6 million claimed to NSF during the period. The objective of the audit was to determine whether UAF used the administrative COVID-19 flexibilities authorized by OMB and, if so, whether UAF was complying with the associated guidelines."
National Science Foundation (U.S.). Office of Inspector General
2021-03-31
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Interim Report -- IRS COVID-19 Response Timeline and Policies to Protect Employee Health and Safety
From the Document: "TIGTA [Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration] is issuing this interim audit report to provide information about actions the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] has taken to protect the health and safety of its employees during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This audit was requested by Congress in House Report 116-456, accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The House Report instructed TIGTA to submit a report within 90 days of enactment. TIGTA plans to issue a subsequent report later in Fiscal Year 2021 that will provide updates to the information in this report, as well as additional information on the IRS's pandemic planning efforts."
United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration
2021-03-23
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Performance Audit of the Implementation of OMB COVID-19 Flexibilities - University of Kentucky Research Foundation
From the Audit Objective: "The National Science Foundation [NSF] Office of Inspector General engaged Cotton & Company LLP [limited liability partnership] (C&C) to conduct a performance audit of the implementation of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) flexibilities at the University of Kentucky Research Foundation (UKRF) for the period March 1 to September 30, 2020. The auditors tested approximately $351,000 of the more than $9.8 million of costs claimed to NSF. The objective of the audit was to determine if UKRF used the administrative COVID-19 flexibilities authorized by OMB and, if so, whether UKRF complied with the associated guidelines."
National Science Foundation (U.S.). Office of Inspector General
2021-03-31
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Interim Report -- The IRS Leveraged Its Telework Program to Continue Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the Document: "Telework allows Federal agencies to continue operations during a pandemic or other event that would result in the closure of Federal Government buildings. To effectively continue operations during an emergency, as many employees as possible should be prepared to telework. On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. By March 16, 2020, the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] began closing some offices. Effective March 30, 2020, IRS employees were directed to evacuate offices and telework, if possible. In July 2020, the IRS reopened offices to employees with nonportable work and mission-critical functions. TIGTA [Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration] conducted this evaluation to determine whether the IRS effectively used its telework program to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IRS operations."
United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration
2021-03-23
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Potential Risks Associated with Expedited Hiring in Response to COVID-19
From the Document: "The OIG [Office of Inspector General] recognizes the tremendous pressure VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] faced in meeting the unprecedented and significant challenges posed by the pandemic, which required swift hiring and reallocation of staff. In any such actions to expedite hiring processes, there are inevitable tensions with ensuring security and quality measures are attained. The purpose of this management advisory memorandum is to identify potential risks involved in the expedited hiring process. Although VHA [Veterans Health Administration] may be aware of some or all of these concerns, this memorandum shares the OIG's observations made during its review to help VHA determine if additional actions are appropriate."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
Steele, Shawn; Albee, Andrew; Derick, Michael . . .
2021-03-11
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Opioid Use in Medicare Part D During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the Document: "The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been tracking opioid use in Part D since 2016. From 2016 to 2019, Medicare Part D saw a steady decline in opioid use, along with an increased use of drugs for treatment of opioid use disorder. With the onset of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and the new dangers it poses for beneficiaries taking opioids, it is imperative that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) closely monitor opioid use during this unprecedented time. This data snapshot describes opioid use in Part D during the onset of COVID-19, focusing on the first 8 months of 2020. For context, this snapshot also provides data on the first 8 months of 2019."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Inspector General
Anderson, Miriam; Himmelright, Margaret; Kwong, Jason . . .
2021-02
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Quarterly Report to the United States Congress: October 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
From the Introductory Message: "As we begin to turn the corner on the global pandemic--and the economic fallout from it--it is important that Americans be able to maintain confidence in their government and its institutions. That is as true with respect to CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act implementation as it is in any other context. The CARES Act is hundreds of pages long, established dozens of programs administered by myriad agencies, and pushed out trillions of taxpayer dollars. Such an undertaking demands transparency and accountability. Congress understood this when it created an oversight trifecta--the Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, and the Congressional Oversight Commission--to complement existing offices of inspector general in rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse under the CARES Act."
United States. Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery
2021-01-31
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USAID Had Limited Control Over COVID-19 Ventilator Donations, Differing from Its Customary Response to Public Health Emergencies
From the Introduction: "Due to the publicity, media attention, and congressional inquiries, and because ventilators constituted a significant portion of USAID [United States Agency for International Development]'s COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] response to date, we sought to provide a review of the way decisions were made for the provision of ventilators. Specifically, our audit objectives were to (1) describe USAID's plans to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and (2) determine the extent to which the practices employed to determine the use and allocation of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic differed from USAID's customary practices for responding to public health emergencies."
United States. Agency for International Development. Office of Inspector General
Mason, Robert; Duncan, Jr., Louis; Scott, Deanna . . .
2021-02-24
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Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Facilities' COVID-19 Pandemic Readiness and Response in Veterans Integrated Service Networks 10 and 20
From the Report Overview: "This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP) report examines key clinical and administrative processes that are associated with promoting quality care. Comprehensive healthcare inspections are one element of the OIG's overall efforts to ensure that the nation's veterans receive high-quality and timely VA [Veteran Affairs] healthcare services. The inspections are performed approximately every three years for each medical facility. The OIG selects and evaluates specific areas of focus each year. Starting in July 2020, pandemic readiness and response was added as an issue for examination. [...] This report is the first in a series. It provides a descriptive evaluation of facilities' responses to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] within VISNs [Veterans Integrated Service Networks] 10 and 20. This examination is based on findings from healthcare inspections performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 (July 1 through September 30, 2020). It also provides a more recent snapshot of the pandemic's demands on these facilities' operations based on data compiled as of December 31, 2020. Interviews and survey results provide additional context on lessons learned and perceptions of both preparedness and responses."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
Ross, Jr., Larry; Arugay, Daisy; Barnes, Lisa . . .
2021-03-16
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Results of the 2020 Filing Season and Effects of COVID-19 on Tax Processing Operations
From the Document: "This audit was initiated to provide selected information related to the IRS's [Internal Revenue Service's] 2020 Filing Season, including information related to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The overall objective of this review was to evaluate whether the IRS timely and accurately processed individual paper and electronically filed tax returns during the 2020 Filing Season."
United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration
2021-03-22
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Audit of Maintaining Cybersecurity in the Coronavirus Disease--2019 Telework Environment (Redacted)
From the Objective: "The objective of this audit was to determine whether DoD Components maintained network protections during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic while the DoD workforce maximized the use of telework capabilities to ensure the continuity of DoD operations."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General
2021-03-29
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Impact of Pandemic on Postal Service Finances
From the Highlights: "On March 13, 2020, the President of the U.S. issued the national emergency declaration concerning the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic (pandemic). During the ongoing pandemic, the U.S. Postal Service provided essential services as part of the nation's critical infrastructure by continuing to process and deliver mail and packages. The pandemic continues to have an unpredictable impact on Postal Service operations and finances. [...] Our objective was to assess the impact of the pandemic on Postal Service finances."
United States Postal Service. Office of Inspector General
2021-03-29
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Evaluation of SBA's Award Procedures for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Entrepreneurial Development Cooperative Agreements
From the Executive Summary: "We evaluated the Small Business Administration's (SBA) handling of economic relief funding to educate, train, and advise small business owners and entrepreneurs on practices necessary to reduce the economic effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The SBA Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED) oversees a network of centers promoting small business growth through entrepreneurial development, training, and counseling. Within OED, the Office of Small Business Development Centers and the Office of Women's Business Ownership administer two programs that include a nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women's Business Centers (WBCs). OED also collaborates with America's SBDC and Association of WBCs for many of its entrepreneurial development initiative. [...] Our objective was to determine whether SBA awarded the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act entrepreneurial development cooperative agreements and grants in accordance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and other guidance."
United States. Small Business Administration. Office of the Inspector General
2021-03-30
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Remote Inspection of Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island
From the Introduction: "The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has noted that the confined nature of correctional facilities, combined with their congregate environments, 'heighten[s] the potential for COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] to spread once introduced' into a facility. According to BOP [Federal Bureau of Prisons] data, as of January 4, 2021, 40,086 inmates and 4,666 BOP staff in BOP-managed institutions and community-based facilities had tested positive for COVID-19. In those institutions where widespread inmate testing has been conducted, including at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Terminal Island, the percentage of inmates testing positive has been substantial. As of January 4, 2021, 557 Terminal Island inmates and 35 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19; 10 Terminal Island inmates had died. Between May 6 and June 25, 2020, the DOJ OIG [Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General] conducted a remote inspection of the BOP's FCI Terminal Island to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the institution and to assess the steps that Terminal Island officials took to prepare for, prevent, and manage COVID-19 transmission within the facility."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2021-01
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Remote Inspection of Federal Correctional Complex Coleman
From the Introduction: "The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has noted that the confined nature of correctional facilities, combined with their congregate environments, 'heighten[s] the potential for COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] to spread once introduced' into a facility. According to BOP [Federal Bureau of Prisons] data, as of January 3, 2021, 39,591 inmates and 4,596 BOP staff in BOP-managed institutions and community-based facilities had tested positive for COVID-19. In those institutions where widespread inmate testing has been conducted, including Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Coleman, the percentage of inmates testing positive has been substantial. The BOP's FCC Coleman had very few COVID-19 cases until experiencing a surge beginning at the end of June 2020. As of January 3, 2021, FCC Coleman had a total of 175 staff test positive for COVID-19 and 1 staff member had died as a result of COVID-19. As of that same date, a total of 833 inmates at FCC Coleman had tested positive for COVID-19 and 5 inmates had died. Between May 5 and 30, 2020, the DOJ OIG conducted a remote inspection of FCC Coleman to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the complex and to assess the steps Coleman officials took to prepare for, prevent, and manage COVID-19 transmission within its facilities."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2021-01
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Remote Inspection of Federal Correctional Institution Milan
From the Introduction: "The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has noted that the confined nature of correctional facilities, combined with their congregate environments, 'heighten[s] the potential for COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] to spread once introduced' into a facility. According to BOP [Federal Bureau of Prisons] data, as of January 21, 2021, 44,806 inmates and 5,904 BOP staff in BOP-managed institutions and community-based facilities had tested positive for COVID-19. In those institutions where widespread inmate testing has been conducted, the percentage of inmates testing positive has been substantial. Between May 11 and June 30, 2020, the DOJ OIG [Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General] conducted a remote inspection of the BOP's Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Milan (pronounced MY-lan) to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the institution and to assess the steps Milan officials took to prepare for, prevent, and manage COVID-19 transmission within the facility."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2021-01
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Onsite Surveys of Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: March 23-May 30, 2020
From the Document: "We did this review to determine the number and results of onsite surveys of nursing homes during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and infection control has been a persistent problem for most nursing homes. As of November 8, 2020, more than 67,000 nursing home residents have died of COVID-19, which represented almost 30 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States at that time. Onsite State surveys, conducted on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), assess the quality of services in nursing homes, a critical function for protecting residents. CMS changed survey practices in response to the pandemic. These changes-- together with nursing home residents' high-risk status and the importance of the State surveys-- warrant close examination to assess the sufficiency of this oversight."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Inspector General
2020-12
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Review of Veterans Health Administration's Emergency Department and Urgent Care Center Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the Executive Summary: "The VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a review of the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) response to anticipated demand and use of emergency department and urgent care center services when faced with an influx of patients needing evaluation during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. A survey questionnaire was deployed to selected emergency department and urgent care center directors to learn what steps VHA emergency medicine leaders took from March to July 2020, as well as plans they intend to take should a future need arise. COVID-19 is a multifaceted infectious disease that can cause a wide spectrum of presentations ranging from asymptomatic (without symptoms) to displaying severe multisystem illness. Beyond the flu-like symptoms that may characterize early presentation with COVID-19, patients can develop serious systemic problems. Making a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the emergency department or urgent care center setting may provide critical information to practitioners on the management of patient symptoms. OIG staff conducted virtual interviews with 63 directors from 49 emergency departments and 14 urgent care centers from July 13 through July 28, 2020, to collect the directors' survey responses on various COVID-19-related topics."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
2020-12-18
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Added Measures Could Reduce Veterans' Risk of COVID-19 Exposure in Transitional Housing
From the Executive Summary: "Individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness are particularly vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] because of limited access to health care and to facilities that help them maintain hygiene and basic sanitation. People living in settings such as homeless shelters and other communal living spaces can experience rapid spread of the virus. Therefore, it is critical that VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] and its transitional housing service providers implement measures to reduce veterans' risk of exposure to COVID-19. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to assess the measures taken by the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) Homeless Program Office, medical facilities, and service providers to mitigate veterans' risks of COVID-19 exposure while in transitional housing. This review focused on two transitional housing service programs administered by the Homeless Program Office--the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Grant and Per Diem (GPD) programs."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
2020-12-18
