VA Stordahl’s 12-18-07 letter to Congressman Lewis

Dec. 18, 2007 letter to US Congressman Jerry Lewis from VA Medical Center Director Dean R. Stordahl.

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357

Dec 18, 2007

To:
The Honorable Jerry Lewis, ................In Reply Refer To: 11 PM
Member, United States House of Representatives
1150 Brookside Avenue, Suite J-5
Redlands, California 92373

Dear Congressmen Lewis:

Thank you for your correspondence dated October 31, 2007, regarding your constituent, Mr. Carl Mueller and his concerns with our Addictions Treatment Program.

Mr. Mueller’s medical record reflects that he was “irregularly discharged” on September 17, 2007 from the Problem Group he was attending as part of his addiction treatment. This decision to discharge was made by a group of Mr. Mueller’s peers, with concurrence from the entire Addiction Treatment Team. The reason for discharge was based on Mr. Mueller’s behavior toward another veteran in the program. Mr. Mueller didn’t believe his behavior was out of line, nor did he agree with the consequence. He was told by Mr. Smith, that he would attend willingness group for seven days after which he would be welcome to come back into the program. Mr. Mueller stated he wasn’t interested in attending willingness group, but would present to our emergency department to get admitted to our locked unit (2NE).

Mr. Mueller presented to our Emergency Department that same day, where he was evaluated and admitted to our locked psychiatric unit (2NE). The accepting physician, Dr. Van Nieuwenhuysen was aware of the reason for Mr. Mueller’s discharge as it was documented in the electronic medical record. Unfortunately, Fr. Van Nieuwenhuysen has left this facility and we are unable answer Mr. Mueller’s question pertaining to the physician’s request for such a report or additional information.

Discharges, both regular and irregular, are discussed in detail at the daily treatment rounds. Our records show that Ms. Caron Bayor, LCSE was present on the day that his discharge was presented at the treatment rounds.

Upon entering our Addictions Treatment Program many of wour veterans are placed at VARP, Inc. for housing during the program. If they are placed at VARP, they are required to sign a release of information (ROI) authorizes the VA treatment team to discuss the care of the veterans placed at this contacted sober living facility with their staff. There is no violation of Federal law pertaining to the disclosure of treatment for substance abuse, as he ROI authorizes this release.

Excellent customer service is very important to our Medical Center. If you have any further questions, please contact me or Cheryl Hardcastle, Program Manager, at (800) 741-8387, extension 6044.


Sincerely,

Dean R. Strodahl

Medical Center Director