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For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer made a verbal request for an immediate investigation and brief regarding concerns over possible systemic problems regarding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) training and reprocessing procedures on medical equipment.

On Tuesday, Buyer requested all information and results of the Miami VA Medical Center (VAMC) self assessment, which was performed in accordance with the Department’s February 9, 2009 directive to conduct a thorough stand-down and review of all endoscopic procedures.

Today, Buyer sent a formal request to VA Inspector General George Opfer regarding the recent acknowledgement by VA that it potentially exposed over three thousand veterans to endoscopic equipment that was not properly cleaned and disinfected.  

Tomorrow, a number of VA officials will brief Ranking Member Buyer regarding the steps the Department has taken to ensure no further veterans are subjected to such unacceptable treatment. Scheduled to brief Buyer are: Gerald M. Cross M.D., Principal Under Secretary for Health; the Veterans Integrated Service Network Director for the Miami VAMC; and the Chief of Staff of the Miami VAMC.

To view Ranking Member Buyer's letter to the Inspector General click here.

 For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to: 

http://republicans.veterans.house.gov/  

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