Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), joined Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act, legislation to prevent VA facilities from further implementing the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) system until it undergoes significant improvements.
“It’s time for the VA to enter the 21st century by implementing a robust and integrated electronic health records system,” said Senator Cramer. “However, doing so should not come at the expense of veteran safety. Our bill would ensure VA medical centers are properly equipped and prepared to initiate system upgrades.”
“Veterans seeking help at VA medical centers should receive nothing but exemplary care,” said Ranking Member Moran. “Testimonies from VA staff and veterans as well as numerous troubling IG reports have made it clear that the EHR system is putting veteran patients at risk and creating significant challenges for VA staff. I support Secretary McDonough’s decision to delay the rollout of the EHR system, and this legislation will create a list of requirements VA, in collaboration with its vendor Oracle Cerner, must meet before implementation of the system can resume. Without these changes, it would be irresponsible to continue implementing the system at additional VA centers.”
Senators Cramer and Moran are joined by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Bill Cassidy, (R-LA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Steve Daines (R-MT).
Click here for bill text.
Background:
The five centers using the EHR system are in Spokane and Walla Walla, Washington; Columbus, Ohio; and White City and Roseburg, Oregon. After the VA Inspector General issued a series of reports in 2021 outlining major concerns, the department paused system implementation through July 2023.
Last Congress, Senator Cramer advanced the VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act, which is now law and requires the VA to submit periodic reports to Congress on EHRM costs, performance metrics, and outcomes. Learn more here.