BATON ROUGE (AP) — A new audit found the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs didn't properly address deficiencies at its five veteran homes or adequately monitor contractors who provide services.
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office reviewed the oversight of veteran homes in Bossier City, Jackson, Jennings, Monroe and Reserve. These facilities offer nursing care, rehabilitative therapy and other long-term health services for veterans and their spouses.
Auditors say staff at the homes didn't correct problems found in their internal quality assurance reviews. The audit also says veteran homes spent $7.7 million on health services during a three-year period, but never asked to see data to track contractors' work.
State Veterans Affairs Secretary David LaCerte says many of the audit findings have been addressed — or will be corrected by a new quality assurance program.
– by AP Reporter Melinda Deslatte
