AR VA Shuttering Problem-plagued Little Rock Vets Home
By:
Updated: June 23, 2012
The problem-plagued state run Veterans Home in Little Rock is slated for closure.
And the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is now trying to find qualified nursing homes for the 59 veterans who live in that home.
VA Director Cissy Rucker told the home residents and staff on Thursday. VA spokeswoman Kendall Thorton said the agency cannot afford to keep it open or build a new facility.
Agency documents KARK obtained through a public records request highlight serious problems the agency has had concerning the home.
Among some of the findings:
The former Medical Director was not doing his job, "failing to identify hazards to health."
The home could not prove it conducted a criminal background check on one employee.
And for two weeks in May 2011, the home did not "meet minimum direct care staffing ratios for three out of 14 shifts."
Thorton said those problems played a factor in Rucker's decision to shut down the home.
The agency has no hard deadline for closing it, Thorton said.
In April the VA fired the home's administrator. They say that person collected almost $600,000 in fees from 19 veterans at the home over a three year span.
And most recently, the VA did not renew its contract with its Medical Director.
The new Medical Director is slated to start work on July 1.
Arkansas has one other state-run VA home. It's located in Fayetteville.
And the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is now trying to find qualified nursing homes for the 59 veterans who live in that home.
VA Director Cissy Rucker told the home residents and staff on Thursday. VA spokeswoman Kendall Thorton said the agency cannot afford to keep it open or build a new facility.
Agency documents KARK obtained through a public records request highlight serious problems the agency has had concerning the home.
Among some of the findings:
The former Medical Director was not doing his job, "failing to identify hazards to health."
The home could not prove it conducted a criminal background check on one employee.
And for two weeks in May 2011, the home did not "meet minimum direct care staffing ratios for three out of 14 shifts."
Thorton said those problems played a factor in Rucker's decision to shut down the home.
The agency has no hard deadline for closing it, Thorton said.
In April the VA fired the home's administrator. They say that person collected almost $600,000 in fees from 19 veterans at the home over a three year span.
And most recently, the VA did not renew its contract with its Medical Director.
The new Medical Director is slated to start work on July 1.
Arkansas has one other state-run VA home. It's located in Fayetteville.
Comments
what about all the employees who will be out of a job. How are they going to pay their bills. How did the Office of Veterans Affairs let it get this bad?
Unity M.
June 22, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Sad...but necessary. i remember when this facility was a source of pride...public ceremonies on the grounds and open to public visits. Then again , there was management dedicated to doing it correctly and openly. Too bad the Colonel didn't have time to save it.
Peter D.
June 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm
