Arizona VA Wait-Time Scandal Revealed Thanks to Whistleblower

Wait-times in any medical situation can be more than simply frustrating; they can be life-threatening. Due the high number of veterans eligible for services in the Arizona VA system, a bonus was devised to incentivize faster appointment scheduling (14 days or under) and appearances. Although the vast majority of veterans receive services in less than 7 days, some still wait over a month.

The results of the incentive program were not desirable. Rather than reporting accurate data on the wait-times for appointments, at least one nursing supervisor was seen altering the reports, or ordering those below him/her to alter their records, in order to take advantage of the bonus system. Diane Suter, who stepped up to report this abuse of the system and fraud, has been struggling to receive any action in response from the Arizona VA.

Latest developments

Despite the Federal report’s complete support for the whistleblower’s claims over five months ago, Arizona VA officials have refused to comment on whether responsible parties have been fired or disciplined in any way.  This lack of action continues because, ironically, the VA’s own internal investigation is still dragging on. It would seem that problematic delays are endemic in the entire VA infrastructure, reducing efficiency for all involved on any level. This could also be a delaying tactic to avoid the necessity of taking action, waiting until the scandal has been dropped from the 24-hour news cycle. No matter the justification, the reality is that our state’s veterans are the ones paying the toll and not receiving the medical attention they require in a timely fashion.

Legal protections for whistleblowers

On the Federal level, in mid-March 2017, the House approved the VA Accountability Act in an act of bipartisanship. The act speeds up the dismissal process for employees and protects whistleblowers. It also reduces the appeal period for employees facing dismissal. In Arizona specifically, The Arizona Employment Protection Act is in place specifically protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, specifying that employees who discloses employer violations of state or federal law—either to their employer or to an appropriate public entity—may not be discharged in retaliation for their disclosure.

If you are still employed but see something illicit going on and want assistance with collecting evidence or building a case, or if you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated after trying to reveal illegal activity on the part of your employer, please contact our approachable Phoenix whistleblower attorneys by calling 602-266-2002 or filling out our contact form.