Joel Maslow, radiation safety committee chair, was not named in the report, but he presided over meetings in which the committee failed to fix deficiencies, according to the investigative board. No action was taken against Maslow.
In an interview, he declined to discuss any sanctions. He said that under his leadership, the committee had acted on issues that the board raised "even if that is not apparent in the minutes."
And he said the issues raised by the VA board had occurred shortly after he became chair in August 2006, when his focus was to "get the various factions" on the committee working together.
The VA paid Maslow $211,893 in 2008, including a $4,000 special contribution award.
Several members of Congress said the long delays and weak consequences set a bad precedent.
"Unless they are taking the recommendations and acting upon them, particularly if it means disciplinary action, then a message is being sent that it is OK," Rep. Joe Sestak (D., Pa.) said.
"A lack of accountable leadership is the source of the real problem here," he said. "Fixing it isn't just about putting better systems in place. It is also making sure that the culture of accountability is ingrained, and that is what is wrong with not taking these recommendations and acting upon them."
Philadelphia VA Implant Time Line
February 2002: The first prostate-cancer patient is treated.
February 2003: In the ninth patient treated, more than half the seeds land in the bladder.
October 2005: A patient, 86, gets half the seeds put in his bladder.
May 2008: A dosing error triggers a full program review.
June 2008: The program is shut down. Director Gary Kao stops treating patients at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania.
September 2008: Veterans Affairs' Administrative Board of Investigation recommends disciplinary action against several key people.
June 2009: Articles in the New York Times and The Inquirer detail a troubled program. Kao takes a leave from Penn research position. The first congressional hearing is held.
August 2009: Radiation oncologist Richard Whittington is suspended for three days.
October 2009: Radiation safety officer Mary E. Moore receives a letter of reprimand.
SOURCE: Department of Veterans Affairs, various sources
INSIDE
Rough Start
From the very beginning, there were problems with the implants. Table, A18.
Contact staff writer Josh Goldstein
at 215-854-4733 or jgoldstein@phillynews.com.
