VA fires former DC medical center director for 2nd time after being forced to rehire him

The former medical director of the veterans hospital in DC who was fired for poor leadership but later rehired after appealing the decision has been fired again, Veterans Affairs announced on Wednesday.

Brian Hawkins was fired back in July after a scathing report was released in April. The report by the VA Office of Inspector General said Hawkins sent sensitive VA information to his own personal email as well as his wife's personal email, a violation of VA policy. It was not detailed exactly what he was sending.

MORE: Report finds veterans being put at 'unnecessary risk' at DC's VA medical center

But Hawkins appealed the decision and was put back on the payroll in August. At the time of his rehiring, VA officials said Hawkins would be reassigned to administrative duty at VA headquarters in Washington and wouldn't work directly with patients.

"We at VA will use the authorities available to ensure our veterans get the highest quality service and care possible," said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin in a written statement released Wednesday. "This is the right decision for veterans in D.C., and employees at the medical center, and underscores our commitment to hold employees accountable if they fail to do their jobs or live up to VA's values."

The VA said it took action by using the VA Accountability Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law in June.