Barstow Veterans Home Passes ‘Preliminary’ Inspection, Moves Toward Federal Certification

Clearing an "important preliminary obstacle" in a "fight to restore its federal financial support," the state-run Barstow veterans home yesterday was deemed in "substantial compliance" with federal standards by a Department of Health Services inspection report, the Los Angeles Times reports (Ingram, Los Angeles Times, 12/14). Reviews by a blue ribbon panel from January to August of last year found cases in which Barstow patients died from "apparent neglect," and the home also has failed four certification surveys conducted by the federal government (California Healthline, 11/19). According to the report released yesterday, the government inspection conducted last month found that the home still had some "deficiencies" but has "taken steps to remedy" problems found in a "series of investigations" conducted last year. Jerry Jones, a spokesperson for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said that the report marked the "first test" for the home before its federal certification is restored. Barstow will operate for 60 days to determine whether the home meets federal standards. After 60 days, the government will conduct a more "comprehensive evaluation." Jones said that the report released yesterday "pleased" federal officials and added that the home will likely "win full certification" (Los Angeles Times, 12/14).