Ohio VA center facing new conduct investigation - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Ohio VA center facing new conduct investigation

DAYTON, Ohio — A southwest Ohio VA medical center is investigating allegations of improper conduct by an employee on an anesthesia unit.

The allegations at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center say a doctor drew blood from patients under anesthesia without their knowledge or consent.

The Dayton Daily News reported Thursday that the allegations were made in two anonymous calls to a VA hotline. The hospital says in a statement that it "takes these allegations seriously and is conducting a review."

The complaint alleges that the doctor improperly kept a supply of the powerful sedative propofol in his office that was not monitored or managed through the pharmacy, even when there was a nationwide shortage of the drug in 2009. No other details of the allegations, including the doctor's name or status, were released.

The Dayton center was rocked last year by allegations of improper dental clinic hygiene, and a new director was named in December.

A congressman who has been critical of the medical center's management said the new allegations are troubling.

"Since the dental scandal this past year, I have been concerned about the management and standards at the Dayton VA Medical Center," Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said in a statement. "The new director, Glenn Costie, has indicated that he will take this matter seriously and provide a full accounting to our community."