Manchin Statement on VA Inspector General Report on Beckley VAMC Personnel Concerns

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement after the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released their report on personnel and hiring practices at the Beckley VA Medical Center (VAMC) in West Virginia.

 

“Today’s report from the VA OIG reveals an inconsistent background investigation process at the Beckley VAMC. This timely report and the implementation of remedial policies, such as conducting an audit of all background investigations for medical personnel and evaluating staffing levels, are the first steps necessary to rebuilding trust in the Veteran community, but the leadership of the Beckley VAMC must be proactive. These issues should be corrected before the OIG is forced to become involved. Our Veterans deserve world class healthcare and should never have to question their safety with a healthcare provider. It is time to ensure the negligence we saw in Beckley and Clarksburg cannot be repeated. As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I am committed to ensuring these terrible actions never happen again.”