A rising problem involving drug theft at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers has led to an increase of investigations throughout the VA network.
The Associated Press reported the rate of opioid theft, missing prescriptions, and unauthorized drug use have all gone up since 2009. The culprits, according to government data, are staff members at hospitals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Some VA hospitals have gotten lax on their checks to make sure drug records match inventory, according to the AP. The data shows reported incidents of drug losses or theft at VA facilities skyrocketed from 272 in 2009 to nearly 3,000 in 2015. The active caseload numbers almost 100.
The VA's acting assistant inspector general for investigations Jeffrey Hughes said, "Drug theft is an area of concern."
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Create better inventory control and monitoring. Begin change with the premise that what you're doing now isn't effective, then work outward.
ReplyDeleteVery sad.. our veterans should not be put through this.. they should be given the same care the President has. They have fought, been injured, seen comrades die, or limbs lost.. four our freedoms in this country. they should not be treated and cared for as 2nd class citizens. Also there is no reason for any veteran to be homeless - many suffer mental illness because of what they have seen and had to do abroad.
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