The Legion supports legislation that would prevent VA from continuing the Electronic Health Record Modernization program until it completes specific improvements and certifications.
The American Legion has expressed its support for a House bill that would address VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization implementation issues, which have endangered the lives of veterans.
On April 19, The American Legion submitted a statement for the record (SFR) to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation at its hearing. In the SFR, The American Legion specified why it is backing HR 592, the Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Record Modernization Act.
Specifically, the legislation would block VA from carrying out certain activities under EHRM until certain improvements and certifications are in place.
It would also address some major problems facing the EHRM program rollout by implementing reasonable recommendations and requiring two main certifications from current facilities using the EHRM system — Oracle Cerner Millennium — before it is deployed elsewhere. Those are:
• A monthly average uptime of 99.9 percent for facilities currently using the Oracle system. The American Legion believes an average monthly uptime of 99.9 percent would allow the maximum ability for VA to deliver world-class care to our veterans.
• The requirement that any new EHRM system will not launch in a new facility unless the facility’s director, chief of staff, and Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) director certify that the facility and its staff are prepared for system deployment and use.
The Legion supports HR 592 through Resolution No. 83: Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record, which was approved by its National Executive Committee during the national convention in 2016.
“The American Legion supports the implementation of an electronic health record and wants the EHRM program to succeed and serve veterans safely. HR 592 and the Oracle Cerner Millennium system will provide the capabilities to ensure that American veterans receive the world-class care they deserve,” The American Legion statement concluded.
- Veterans Healthcare