San Antonio VA plans fixes after OIG review of inpatient mental health unit issues – WOAI

San Antonio VA plans fixes after OIG review of inpatient mental health unit issues  WOAI

Federal inspectors reviewing acute inpatient mental health care at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio found problems ranging from bed reporting and treatment planning to video monitoring practices, while also observing what they described as veteran-centric care on the unit. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General reviewed the facility’s acute inpatient mental health care and evaluated care in five areas. Inspectors provided preliminary observations to leaders and later issued 13 recommendations. Among the findings, the OIG reported that the Mental Health Executive Council included required veteran representation. Inspectors also identified inaccurate and delayed bed availability reporting, a lack of formal processes for complying with involuntary commitment laws, and no program-specific procedures for treatment planning on the unit.

Inspectors noted shortcomings in the unit’s physical environment, saying it did not incorporate natural lighting, warm paint colors, or artwork. They also found weekend programming hours were inconsistent, though staff provided the required interdisciplinary programming on weekdays. Despite the environmental limitations, inspectors said they observed veteran-centric care with staff presence and engagement in shared areas. The OIG also found the facility lacked a policy governing video monitoring on the unit and did not have signage informing veterans of its use. The report said that, contrary to VA policy, VA police used cameras on the unit to