GAO Report Identifies Deficiencies in VA Nursing Homes

In an analysis of annual inspection data for 2019 and 2021, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found increases in both the number and severity of deficiencies in state veterans’ nursing homes. A majority of the increase was in the quality of care and infection control categories, which cover accidents and staff hand hygiene. While these homes are owned and operated by states, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps pay for care for eligible veterans and is required to ensure the homes meet VA’s quality standards. The VA oversees 153 state veterans homes, which provide nursing home care to roughly 14,500 veterans. Read the GAO Report.