After it was alleged that staffers at a VA health care facility in Phoenix were falsifying records to show veterans were getting care in a timely manner, U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler on Wednesday said she was visiting Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital to ensure veterans here are being treated fairly.

Hartzler said she also was following up on changes made after the beating death of a patient in February 2013 that an independent investigative board chalked up to a breakdown in communication and complacency among staffers in the locked mental health unit.

Hartzler, a Republican from Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, met with the administrative team at Truman Memorial, including Director Wade Vlosich and Medical Chief of Staff Lana Zerrer. Hartzler said they provided her with statistics that show veterans here are getting appointments in a timely manner.

A recent survey conducted by the office of U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., indicates Truman Memorial is exceeding the federal standard in patient satisfaction. Truman's approval rating in the survey was 85 percent. "Most of those indicators show that they are meeting that standard, and so I think that's a positive for this facility and for the veterans in this area," Hartzler said.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., was scheduled to talk to mental health professionals at the VA today.

A national scandal broke out recently when it was revealed staffers at a VA health care facility in Phoenix allegedly falsified wait-time records. The alleged cover-up might have contributed to the deaths of up to 40 patients and has led to an investigation by the VA's Office of Inspector General into 42 facilities across the country. The office won't disclose which facilities are part of the investigation, citing the need to protect its work and not reveal its sources.

In reference to the death last year of 78-year-old Robert Hill, Hartzler said she was confident all the changes laid out in the investigative report were enacted. Rudy Perez killed Hill on Feb. 4, 2013, after he had previously attacked Hill. The two men were put back into the same common area after being separated. Hill was charged with first-degree murder but in September was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

"I think the changes were clearly needed, but in most every area from the investigative report � I think they've implemented those changes, and people can feel more comfortable there won't be an incident like this in the future," Hartzler said.

On the national scandal, Hartzler said if the allegations about the Phoenix facility are true, the people responsible need to be held accountable, but she fell short of calling for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's immediate resignation.

"That is wrong," Hartzler said of falsifying wait-time records, "so I'm looking for swift justice for anyone who does that. If Gen. Shinseki does not take the steps to see those things occur, then he needs to go."

Air Force veteran Patrick Gross, 69, was leaving after an appointment at the hospital and heard the latter part of Hartzler's brief speech and news conference, which lasted a total of about 10 minutes.

"Political rhetoric," Gross said when asked about Hartzler's comments. "I don't know. Is she sincere? Everyone wants to jump in the spotlight when there's a scandal."

President Barack Obama last week addressed the VA scandal, pledging to penalize those responsible, condemning their alleged transgressions and standing by Shinseki, who is conducting his own review. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Nabors has been charged with conducting a broader review of the Veterans Health Administration.

Gross, who lives in Racket, said this was his second visit to Truman Memorial, but so far he's satisfied with the care he has received. He added he thought Hartzler seemed sincere but hopes she and other officials follow through on their calls for action.

"They keep piling these scandals on top of each other, and the ones at the bottom get thrown away," Gross said.

This article was published in the Thursday, May 29, 2014 edition of the Columbia Daily Tribune with the headline "Hartzler visits VA amid national scandal;�Truman facility draws praise."