Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) released the following statement in response to the announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the Montana VA Healthcare System. This morning, the VA announced they will be requiring a comprehensive review of the Montana VA Health Care System to identify any potential issues and implement all necessary corrective measures. This review will encompass all aspects of care delivery, operational practices, and management oversight and will engage the full spectrum of VISN 19 and Montana Stakeholders. The VA also announced several changes in leadership at the Montana VA Healthcare System. Effective Monday, July 24th, Duane Gill will be Acting Medical Center Director, and Wade Vlosich will be Special Advisor to the Network Director on Montana Oversight.

“For the last few months, my office has been contacted by several people within the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center regarding medical malpractice and hiring practices,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Upon notification, I immediately contacted Secretary McDonough and demanded that an investigation be conducted. Last week we received a report on the findings from the investigation, which highlighted significant issues with the hiring practices and medical malpractice at Fort Harrison.

“I am pleased by the VA’s decision to require a comprehensive review of the Montana VA Health Care System and the change in leadership. I am hopeful this will result in better practice which will allow our veterans to be properly served. The core function of the VA is to care for our nation’s heroes, and I appreciate Secretary McDonough and Under Secretary Elnahal for working with me to address this critical issue for our veterans.”

Key Background:

• Constituents contacted the office of Rep. Rosendale in late 2022 with reports of mismanagement at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center.

• As Rep. Rosendale’s office continued to look into these issues, several other problems came to light regarding serious medical malpractice taking place at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. This includes the reports that Dr. James Maganito performed surgeries he was not authorized or equipped to perform at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center and the failure of leadership at Fort Harrison to act on the reports.

• Following these reports, Rep. Rosendale requested a meeting with VA Secretary McDonough and VA Health Under Secretary Elnahal to discuss the issues at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. Rep. Rosendale asked for an investigation to be conducted.

• Last week, Rep. Rosendale received the investigation report from the VA. The report highlighted significant issues with the hiring practices and medical malpractice at Fort Harrison Medical VA Center.