Burns: Veterans home improves care, saves taxpayers money

Rep. Frank Burns    February 23, 2015 | 4:12 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today said the results of an audit  conducted by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale found the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home increased patient care while saving taxpayers more than $478,000.

The audit found the cost for therapy services decreased from $102 to $3 per hour after the facility and the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs decided to contract out therapeutic services in 2011. That resulted in more physical, occupational and speech therapy services.

"Providing the best quality of care to our veterans should always be top priority," Burns said. "I commend the facility for working with the department for coming up with a plan that not only resulted in giving more care to our veterans, but also saving taxpayers thousands of dollars."

The Auditor General’s office conducted the audit after receiving requests from some constituents. The office also looks periodically at veterans homes in the commonwealth.

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