Letter to Director Howard - Heller Requests Information From Reno VA Hospital Following Reports of One-Star Nursing Facility Rating

Letter

Dear Director Howard,

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and a Senator representing Nevada's veterans, I write to you today regarding the Reno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center's (VAMC's) one-star rating for its Community Living Center. I appreciate your attention as a director to this matter and value our shared commitment to ensuring the Reno VAMC serves as an example of quality care from the VA.

Recent reports have found that the VA nursing facility run by the Reno VAMC received a one-star rating last year. Unfortunately, there are no additional details about the reason for that one-star rating or any improvements that have been made since 2017. I know we can both agree that a one-star rating is unacceptable for Nevada's veterans, and I expect improvements to be made immediately. It is my responsibility as the senator representing Nevada's veterans to ensure all VA care in Nevada lives up to the standard that our veterans deserve. That is why I respectfully request you provide information on the following:

An updated star rating for the Reno VA nursing facility in 2018 and any other relevant ratings related to the operation and care provided by the facility.
Areas identified for improvement in 2017 and actions you took to make those improvements;
Areas still in need of improvement as of 2018 and efforts underway to achieve those improvements;
Again, I appreciate your attention to this issue of accountability for Nevada's heroes and request a response by June 29, 2018.

Source