The Department of Veterans Affairs pays for about 14,500 veterans to live in 153 state-run nursing homes as of FY2021. VA oversees these homes by inspecting them to ensure that they meet the agency’s quality standards. But VA could improve its oversight. VA inspections in 2019 and 2021 showed an increase in the number and the severity of deficiencies cited. VA’s only enforcement action is to withhold payments to force these state veterans’ homes to comply, but VA considers this too severe for most situations. VA officials are considering asking Congress for more enforcement authorities. Our 4 recommendations address this issue, and more.
