Congressional leaders respond to misconduct at Fayetteville, Ark. VA Medical Center

Leadership at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks received reports of possible impairment of a staff pathologist in October of 2017. The pathologist was assessed through Employee Health and found unable to work and was immediately removed from clinical practice, and has since been terminated.

As a result, the decision has been made to conduct a thorough review of all cases read by the pathologist by an external review team. These independent reviews are being done to ensure the safety of all patients who may be impacted. This team is also charged with developing clear procedures for addressing this matter, including establishing a methodology for tracking second reviews of tests and protocols to notify affected patients.

“As a Veteran and patient of this facility, quality and safety are very important to me,” said Kelvin L. Parks, Interim Medical Center Director. “The pathologist was immediately removed from clinical care when evidence of impairment was found. Actions affecting the care and safety of our patients will not be tolerated at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. I am confident that the external review team’s methodology will help us identify affected patients and improve our processes and systems moving forward.”

Due to the high volume of cases being reviewed, this process will take several months to complete. The VA will be reaching out directly to any patient found to be impacted, and has arranged a fully staffed call center and toll free number to answer questions regarding this serious matter. Patients with questions can call (866) 388-5428 or (479) 582-7995. This call center will be staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 8:00 a.m.to noon to ensure anyone who has questions will be able to speak to someone in person.

Southwest Missouri Congressman Billy Long released this statement:

“Our veterans and their care receive huge bipartisan support in Washington,” said Rep. Long. “We are committed to working together to ensure our veterans get the best care possible. What happened at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville is appalling and inexcusable. I am working with my colleagues in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma to rectify the situation and to make sure this type of egregious situation never happens again. I encourage my constituents who have received care at this facility to reach out if they have any questions, concerns or are worried their care may have been compromised. I promise to push for answers and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

Missouri U.S. Senator Roy Blunt released this statement:

“No veteran, or their family, should ever have to question whether they’re receiving the care they need from the VA. The VA must move quickly to notify every veteran who has been affected. There is no excuse for this kind of failure, and any employees involved must be held accountable. I will continue working with the VA to make sure they are addressing this situation, and will support any legislation necessary to help prevent similar incidents in the future.” –

U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with U.S. Representatives Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman, released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced misconduct by a former VA pathologist at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

They released this statement:

“This alleged gross negligence by a physician charged with caring for our veterans is a disturbing revelation and a clear failure to uphold the Department of Veterans Affairs mission to the men and women who served our nation in uniform. The errors and reckless actions of this former VA pathologist put the health of our veterans at risk and will not be tolerated.

Unfortunately, at this time, we don’t know the extent of this doctor’s misconduct. We call on the VA to notify patients whose cases were evaluated by this pathologist to thoroughly and expeditiously review their results so veterans can get the appropriate care they earned. Those impacted deserve nothing less.

Congress has provided the VA with the tools to remove bad actors. Failing to dismiss physicians and any other employees whose work is unsatisfactory does a disservice to our veterans. We are committed to rigorous oversight to protect the men and women who sacrificed and served our country and will hold those who break the law and undermine the mission of the VA accountable.”