Rick Scott Sues Federal Government to Let AHCA Inspect VA Hospitals

With reports of secret waiting lists at VA medical centers across the nation, Gov. Rick Scott announced he would launch a lawsuit to ensure Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) can inspect VA hospitals across the Sunshine State.

As the chief health policy and planning entity for the state that licenses, inspects, and investigates consumer complaints, AHCA should be allowed access to federal VA hospitals to inspect their processes and their facilities, Scott said on Wednesday. On seven separate occasions at six federal VA hospitals, however, state inspectors have been blocked by federal officials from carrying out their mission of ensuring facilities in Florida meet the health-care needs of our veterans. I have asked AHCA to sue the federal Veterans Affairs agency to shine a light on their activities and protect the lives of our heroes who have earned nothing short of access to the best care possible.

With 1.5 million veterans that call Florida home, were committed to being the most veteran-friendly state in the nation and reports of deaths, neglect, poor conditions and a secret waiting list in federal VA hospitals in Florida are unacceptable, Scott said, before turning his fire to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. Last week, Scott called for Shinseki to resign. To date, Sec. Shinseki has refused to step down, our inspectors continue to be turned away, and none of the information weve asked for has been provided. Transparency and accountability are critical to supporting our veterans, and this suit will fight the federal VAs continued practice of stonewalling our inspectors.