Led Governor-Ordered 35-Day Investigation of Missouri Veterans Homes After COVID-19 Outbreak
Selected to conduct a rapid, independent, external review of seven Missouri Veterans Homes – as ordered by Gov. Michael Parson – to assess their performance and identify what steps, if any, should be taken to improve their management and prevention of COVID-19. Led a 35-day investigation that considered all relevant information, including interviewing 174 individuals including Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) staff, Veterans, Veterans’ families and Missouri government officials; implementing a hotline staffed by attorneys for Veterans’ families to voice concerns; reviewing and analyzing hundreds of documents; directing a management and consulting organization serving clients in the long-term care and post-acute care industry, to conduct on-site audits of all seven Homes, following all necessary safety protocols; and issuing early recommendations to the MVC. Compiled and delivered a 53-page summary report and a comprehensive 415-page report, including recommended corrective actions, to state officials.