Federal Reports

In 2023, the VA OIG received several allegations that raised concerns about the management of supplies and equipment and workplace culture at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. The OIG initiated this review to evaluate whether the Houston facility supply chain management staff established and maintained inventory controls in accordance with VA policy. The OIG identified deficiencies in managing supplies, equipment, and implant inventory at the Houston facility. Supply chain management staff did not ensure accurate recording and accountability of expendable supplies, nonexpendable equipment, and implants in the inventory management systems, as mandated by VHA policy. These deficiencies stemmed from inadequate oversight and failure to follow inventory procedures, risking the loss of supplies or use of expired products for patient care. The OIG made 10 recommendations to the Houston medical facility director: six recommendations to improve inventory management oversight and compliance with inventory procedures and four recommendations to improve implant management.