VA Secretary Shinseki Resigns

Today, President Obama announced that he accepted the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. His resignation comes amid investigations into allegations of misconduct at VA medical facilities.  According to a preliminary report released Wednesday by the VA’s inspector general, the problems at the medical center in Phoenix were similar to “systemic” issues across the VA health care system.

Sloan D. Gibson, the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is taking over as Acting Secretary.

The ASA looks forward to continuing its partnership with VA to ensure patient safety and quality care in the surgical setting. As VA works to address what initial reports suggest is a primary care provider shortage, the ASA will remain in contact with VA officials regarding the proposed VHA Nursing Handbook and its implications for surgical anesthesia care.  You can find more information about this story here.