Veteran Affairs Agency Director Steps Down

Jeff Barnes, director of the Veteran Affairs Agency, has stepped down from his position after an audit of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans was released earlier this week. Jim Redford, Governor Rick Snyder’s legal counsel, has assumed the position of interim director. Mr. Barnes will be reassigned within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

In the full audit of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, the treatment of the residents was deemed “not sufficient” for a variety of factors. The audit found the home understaffed, with staff only checking on patients 47 percent of the time they are required by contract. 38 total complaints dealing with abuse or neglect were made with only 10 receiving a follow-up by the manager. No filing system was found, but upon receipt of complaints a response was received, on average, seven days late, as opposed to within 72 to 24 hours, which is the standard.

As for prescriptions, 39 percent of non-narcotic prescriptions were filed more than five days early, which most members’ insurance companies do not allow. These prescriptions are valued at $186,000. Total worth of non-narcotic pharmaceuticals found is $2.7 million. The home is at risk of losing $883,700 for the 23-month period it did not bill members’ insurance companies for eligible prescriptions. Evidence of tampering with prescriptions was also found.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, February 26, 2016 10:37 AM
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