The Department of Veterans Affairs has disciplined two top administrators in the middle of a recent scandal at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, reported ABC affiliate WCPO.
Network Director Jack Hetrick , on Feb. 25, retired from his post. The agency suspended Dr. Barbara Temeck, acting chief of staff at the hospital, from all medical duties and plans to take further disciplinary action against her. The VA indicated that both could be subject to criminal investigations, reported Cincinnati.com.
"We are committed to sustainable accountability," Dr. David Shulking, the agency's undersecretary of health, said in a news release. "We will continue to use VA's statutory authority to hold employees accountable where warranted by the evidence. That is simply the right thing to do for veterans and taxpayers."
Earlier this month, over 30 employees from the Cincinnati VA Medical Center told reporters at WCPO and the Scripps News Washington Bureau that Hetrick and Temeck were mismanaging the facility. Further investigations revealed that both administrators had instituted cost-cutting measures that greatly impacted care. Additionally, reporters uncovered documents that showed Temeck was illegally prescribing hydrocodone and Valium to Hetrick's spouse. Temeck does not have a controlled substance license.
Soon after these revelations, the VA launched an internal investigation. The actions taken against Hetrick and Temeck are a result of that probe. The former network director will receive a full retirement package. Temeck will continue to receive a full salary and benefits.
The VA and federal legislators intend to further investigate the conditions at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
"Our work is not done," Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, told WCPO. "I look forward to bringing Secretary (Bob) McDonald to the Cincinnati VA to hear directly from whistleblowers, and I will continue pressing for a quick and thorough investigation so we ensure the problems they brought to light do not continue and veterans get the highest quality care."