Counseling service team leaders should receive, review, and approve psychosocial assessments and counseling plans prior to authorizing contracted counseling services, the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general has said after reviewing a random sample of 30 Vet Centers and the services they provide.
The reviews were done in part to determine whether managers provided appropriate oversight for the contracted clinicians’ required client documentation, and to assess the management and oversight of contracted care based on compliance with the contract, the IG said.
It also called on the department to conduct and document client assessments after one year of eligibility for contracted client services, conduct annual onsite quality reviews for contractors who participate in the Contract for Fee Program, and authorize contracted counseling services in accordance with policy.
It further recommended that the Readjustment Counseling Service use a standard template that includes terms and conditions that are consistent with those in the RCS policy and maintains and monitors counseling service contracts in accordance with RCS and VHA policy.
