The Department of Veterans Affairs is making strides to expedite the implementation of its Oracle electronic health record system following deployments at numerous medical centers next year, according to Secretary Doug Collins.
Collins shared with lawmakers that the VA aims to introduce the software to 20 to 25 sites in fiscal year 2027 after initiating deployments at thirteen facilities next year. These deployments mark a significant step forward as the agency had previously halted new rollouts in the spring of 2023 due to a lack of momentum in the project.
In recent House hearings, Collins testified about the VA’s budget request for fiscal year 2026, which includes a $3.5 billion allocation for the Electronic Health Record Modernization program. This program is responsible for replacing the VA’s outdated medical record system with the Oracle EHR. The funds requested will support deployments in fiscal year 2027, despite past challenges in successfully implementing the software.
The VA’s decision to accelerate the EHR rollout comes in the wake of issues encountered during the project’s execution. Initially awarded to EHR vendor Cerner in 2018 and later acquired by Oracle, the project has faced delays, errors, and technical difficulties that may have impacted patient care. Lawmakers have expressed concerns over the escalating costs of the project, with Rep. Greg Murphy criticizing the decision to implement a system that may not be suitable for the VA’s healthcare system.
Despite these setbacks, the VA is set to resume deployments next year, with sites in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Alaska on the schedule. Collins mentioned during the Veterans’ Affairs hearing that the agency has streamlined internal committees to hasten the standardization of the EHR, aligning it with industry norms to expedite the process.
As the VA undergoes organizational changes, including workforce reductions of around 80,000 employees, concerns have been raised about potential impacts on the EHR rollout. Rep. Nikki Budzinski highlighted the need for a robust workforce and IT budget to support the deployment of the record to 170 medical centers.
In conclusion, the VA’s efforts to fast-track the implementation of the Oracle EHR demonstrate a commitment to modernizing its healthcare system. Despite challenges and criticisms, the agency remains focused on delivering a reliable and efficient electronic health record platform for the benefit of veterans nationwide.
