Modernization
More Underestimated Infrastructure Costs Could Raise VA EHR Price Tag $2.5B
The latest inspector general report shows more underreported infrastructure costs for the electronic health record program, prompting lawmakers to call a hearing for later this month.
Cybersecurity
VA’s Cybersecurity Still Missing Critical Zero-Trust Element, Watchdog Says
An official from the Government Accountability Office said she is encouraged by the formation of an investment review board at the department and intends to monitor it closely.
Digital Government
VA Secretary: Changes Coming to Electronic Health Records Program
Secretary Denis McDonough just completed a months-long strategic review of the multibillion-dollar EHR modernization program.
Modernization
VA Is Asking Congress for Fewer IT Dollars in 2022 But Plans to Spend More Than in 2021
The Transformational Fund has been marinating for five years and is ready to supplement the agency’s IT spending.
Emerging Tech
VA Integrates Extended Reality Technology Across Sites and Treatments
The agency is also launching a new pilot program across multiple facilities.
Modernization
Joint DOD-VA Medical Center Will Be Major Test for Electronic Health Record Interoperability
Officials said they are preparing to deploy the new records system at “the most integrated facility” in the Defense and Veterans Affairs health care networks.
Modernization
VA to Wrap Health Records Review ‘In a Few Weeks,’ Secretary Says
Denis McDonough told lawmakers the agency would change the management and oversight of the multibillion-dollar modernization program.
Modernization
VA Wants an Electronic Records System for HR, Too
The Electronic Human Resources Information Services program looks to combine 13 systems into a single digital record for employees.
Digital Government
IG Says VA Underestimated Health Records Project Costs by Up to $2.6B
An audit showed Veterans Affairs didn’t properly account for physical infrastructure costs for its new $16 billion electronic health record system.
Emerging Tech
VA Explores Potential Future Emerging Technology-Centered Acquisitions
The agency is looking for more information about applying immersive technologies, blockchain, edge computing and other innovations to clinical care, data products and training.
Digital Government
House Republicans Call For VA-Led Campaign to Help Protect Vets from Cyber Risks
A new deep-dive study and public website would stem from the efforts.
Digital Government
VA Rolls Back Trump-era Workforce Policies
The Veterans Affairs Department is restoring its previous contract with AFGE, which allows access to official time and union office space in department facilities.
Ideas
Service Dogs Can Help Veterans with PTSD – Growing Evidence Shows They May Reduce Anxiety in Practical Ways
Unlike emotional support dogs or therapy dogs, service dogs must be trained to do specific tasks.
Digital Government
VA Electronic Health Records Program Delayed Up to 12 Weeks For ‘Strategic Review’
House committee leadership plans to hold a hearing in April on the program and strategic review process.
Emerging Tech
FDA Approves VA-Made 3D-Printed Hearing Device for South Carolina Veteran
It’s rooted in the patient’s unique idea to use a drinking straw to open up his hearing pathway.
Emerging Tech
VA Doctor Dispels Myths that 5G Could Make People Sick
He also offered a look into several government-centered deployments.
Emerging Tech
VA Launches New Platform to Send Veterans Personalized Notifications
Open-source software—developed abroad—supports a new tool that allows the agency to send confirmations and other details through email or text.
Emerging Tech
Veterans Affairs Department Expands 5G Footprint to Miami
The agency’s latest next-generation wireless network was recently deployed by T-Mobile.
Modernization
VA Wants Help Creating a ‘Strategic Planning Ecosystem’ to Guide IT Modernization Efforts
A contractor will support the development of several strategic plans for the Office of Information Technology.
Digital Government