Newhouse introduces legislation to help veterans, VA employees by fixing EHR System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced the VA Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act. This legislation would fix VA’s handling of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) system and ultimately ensure that VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) are well-equipped to implement and use the new system, without hindering the delivery of care to veterans and hurting VA provider productivity levels.

“The disastrous rollout of the Cerner electronic health record system put the health and safety of veterans at risk—the very same men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy each and every day,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Requiring VA medical centers to certify this system will not threaten any more veterans before deploying it at other sites should be commonsense. Unfortunately, given the botched handling of the initial rollout, it is on Congress to ensure the VA fulfills its duty and maintains the highest level of care for the men and women who deserve it most. I am proud to introduce this legislation today alongside Chairman Bost, and will never stop fighting to ensure the federal government keeps its commitment to provide our veterans with the respect and care they have earned.”

“I have traveled across the country and seen and heard firsthand the impact the Oracle Cerner product has had on VA providers and veterans. It has crippled the delivery of care, put veteran patient safety at risk, and stressed an already overwhelmed healthcare system,” said Chairman Bost. “While I commend the Secretary for pausing deployment of the new EHR at future sites, I am not confident that will be enough. It’s simple: the Oracle Cerner system should not be implemented at any more VA sites until the VAMC leadership certifies that the medical center is ready. That’s exactly what our bill would do. I hope to get this legislation passed out of the House and signed into law as soon as possible.”