The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Advances Former Congressman Douglas Collins to VA Secretary
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee has advanced former Congressman Douglas Collins, R-Ga., by a vote of 18-1 and the nomination will now advance to the full Senate, according to an announcement Thursday from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Collins said he would address the VA’s challenges, including the interoperability of veterans’ health records and making the transition back to civilian life as safe and smooth as possible for veterans’ mental health.
Why It Matters
Collins emphasized the importance of not letting anything hold up the MISSION Act, a legacy of the previous Trump Administration, during the hearing. He assured Senator Moran that he is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the VA.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Senator Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., also raised concerns about funding veterans benefits, investments in VA provider facilities, and veterans’ access to care. Collins provided assurances and committed to improving the transition from active duty to the VA, including resolving issues related to transferring medical records.
Collins acknowledged the challenges of the VA’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) modernization program, stating that it has hindered veterans’ access to care. He pledged to prioritize finding solutions to these issues if confirmed as VA Secretary.
The Larger Trend
Last month, the VA announced improvements in veteran trust and clinician satisfaction during the EHR Modernization program reset. Despite challenges and setbacks, the agency is working towards enhancing patient safety and system deployments at VA health systems.
Former President Trump nominated Collins to head the VA in November, citing his background as a veteran and advocate for veterans’ care. Collins’s firsthand knowledge and commitment to reforming the VA were praised by Senator Moran during the committee hearing.
On The Record
In his written testimony, Collins stated, “We will not shy away from challenges like homelessness and suicide prevention, electronic health record modernization, and shrinking the department’s claims backlog.” He emphasized his dedication to serving the nation’s veterans and their families.
Andrea Fox is senior editor of Healthcare IT News.
Email: afox@himss.org
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.
