Gaps in federal oversight add to virus woes at homes for vets
State-run homes have seen 200-plus COVID-19 deaths
WASHINGTON — Big gaps in federal oversight of long-term care facilities for aging veterans may have contributed to rampant coronavirus infections and more than 200 deaths at state-run homes, according to a congressional watchdog agency.
The Government Accountability Office found the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs failed for years to require robust inspections at over 150 state-run veterans homes nationwide or to make sure all deficiencies were rectified, even as it regularly doled out federal dollars for the care.
That could have made a bad situation worse in such places as the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, one of 50 veterans homes nationwide where the VA is the only federal agency monitoring it, according to the GAO. A recent investigation conducted for the state of Massachusetts found the superintendent there was not qualified to run a longterm care facility and that officials with a state agency were aware of his “shortcomings,” but failed to do enough about it.
By law, the VA is barred from making federal payments until facilities meet standards of quality care.
“VA needs to continue to strengthen its oversight,” Sharon Silas, director of health care at the GAO, told a House panel Wednesday. Her team is conducting a wider investigation of VA’s oversight into the facilities in light of surging coronavirus deaths.
She said infection control methods, such as washing hands and isolating residents — a problem at Holyoke — have been among the most prevalent, but also overlooked are safeguards at nursing homes.
“It is imperative that VA ensure the health and safety of these veterans,” Silas said.
At least 158 residents of the 278-bed Massachusetts facility, or 57%, have tested positive for COVID-19. At least 76 residents have died. Similar outbreaks have occurred in New Jersey, where more than 80 have died due to COVID-19, as well as in Pennsylvania, with more than 40 deaths, and elsewhere.
In the House hearing, lawmakers heard tales of missed opportunities and disarray in addressing the coronavirus outbreak, including shortages of personal protective equipment and delays in testing. Many of the COVID-19 outbreaks happened after asymptomatic staff unknowingly brought the virus in from hot-spot communities, underscoring the need for robust testing, said Melissa Jackson, president of the National Association of State Veterans Homes.
The VA still does not have capability to conduct testing among all residents and employees who may need one, and state-run homes have been a lower priority in getting federal help.
“I am not convinced they are prepared to deal with a second wave,” said Paul Barabani, a former director of the Massachusetts veterans home who is now an advocate for the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Coalition.