WASHINGTON, D.C./July 8, 2026 — The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) today released the results of an investigation into opioid prescription practices at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Oklahoma City Health Care System that was triggered by a whistleblower’s disclosure. The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), substantiated significant concerns raised by the whistleblower, and OSC concluded that the VA’s findings were reasonable.
The whistleblower, a former Ambulatory Care Physician with extensive experience treating patients receiving chronic opioid therapy, alleged that VHA providers were prescribing and refilling opioid medications in violation of Oklahoma public health and safety statutes. According to the disclosure, providers routinely failed to document required assessments—such as evaluations of treatment progress, pain origin, and compliance with opioid monitoring requirements—and often failed to adhere to mandated risk assessments or efforts to taper or adjust opioid therapy. The whistleblower also identified inadequate use of oversight measures, including pill counts and urinalyses.
The VA confirmed that the problems identified during their investigation were systemic, not isolated, and they carry serious risks for veterans’ health and safety. When providers fail to document regular assessments, opioid prescriptions may continue—or increase—without justification. Similarly, when efforts to taper, reduce dosages, or pursue alternative treatments are not documented, veterans are left vulnerable to ongoing opioid use without meaningful safeguards against dependence or opioid use disorder.
The whistleblower agreed with the investigation’s findings but also identified several areas where additional review would have been beneficial, including whether patients were appropriately screened for opioid use disorder. The whistleblower also stated that the disclosure was intended to improve patient care and ensure compliance with Oklahoma law and evidence-based opioid prescription practices.
In response to the VA’s investigative findings, the VA Office of the Medical Inspector issued several recommendations to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. These recommendations include reviewing pain-management practices, providing staff training on opioid reduction and alternative pain treatments, and developing a tool to monitor opioid use among patients receiving chronic opioid therapy.
“We thank the whistleblower for bringing these serious concerns to OSC,” said Chief Counsel Charles Baldis. “Their disclosure led not only to substantiated findings but also to meaningful corrective actions that will enhance patient safety, strengthen oversight, and improve opioid prescribing practices across the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System.” Given the significance of the disclosure, OSC recommends that the VA consider issuing a monetary award to the whistleblower.