What Changes Are Expected for VA EHR Under New Administration?

January 31, 2025

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is undergoing significant changes as it shifts its focus towards modernizing its electronic health record (EHR) system, enhancing interoperability, and incorporating emerging technologies. These efforts are taking place amidst the presidential transition to president-elect Donald Trump. Throughout the current year, the VA has been actively working on claims processing modernization due to the influx from the PACT Act, integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and expanding innovative programs to improve healthcare access for veterans. Gilly Cantor, Director of Evaluation and Capacity Building at Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families, expressed optimism regarding the congressional bipartisanship on veterans’ issues, which may lead to significant developments for veterans by 2025 under the new administration.

Advancing EHR Rollout

The VA began an initial effort in 2025 to restart the EHR system implementation. VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated that while the transition to Trump’s administration is ongoing, they plan to update the president-elect’s team on the progress and findings of the EHR rollout. Since the EHR launch, six active sites have shown improvement in veteran outpatient trust scores, decreased wait times, fewer interruptions in patient care for clinicians, and increased satisfaction among clinicians and staff. Despite these advancements, significant room for improvement remains.

The VA commenced its EHR modernization in 2018 under Trump’s first administration to align with the health care IT system and ensure seamless care for veterans transitioning from military service to veteran status and when opting for community care. However, after the initial rollout, a pause was implemented in 2023 to thoroughly monitor its deployment at the active sites. The succeeding stages of deployment are anticipated to resume by mid-2026, according to VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher. This pause was essential to address any issues and gather feedback from the initial sites before expanding the system to other facilities. The focus on the EHR system will ensure that veterans receive the quality care they deserve without unnecessary delays or complications.

Navigating Community Care

In the coming year, the emphasis will be on improving information sharing between VA facilities and community care centers. In 2018, Trump’s administration enacted the bipartisan MISSION Act, enhancing access to community care clinics for veterans and improving the VA’s recruitment and retention of medical professionals. The act also mandated better reporting of staffing and vacancy data at the VA. The expansion of community care has heightened the necessity for improved health data sharing to ensure comprehensive patient health profiles. This is particularly crucial as the number of veterans seeking care outside the VA network increases, necessitating seamless and secure data exchange to maintain high standards of care.

While policies like the MISSION Act have provided broader avenues for veterans to seek care outside the VA network, maintaining a uniform standard of care has become challenging. Community providers must adhere to the VA’s quality standards to ensure veterans receive consistent care regardless of where they seek it. System interoperability is paramount, as current referrals from the VA to community mental health centers often lack the necessary data to assess the patient’s well-being accurately. The specialized focus of VA facilities on veterans’ specific health needs, such as screenings for toxic burn pits, underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of care within and outside the VA network.

Integrating Emerging Tech

During Trump’s first administration, he signed an AI executive order, initiating the American AI initiative in 2019. While experts suggest Congress will further develop AI regulations, the VA has already established its Trustworthy AI Framework in 2023. Currently, no veteran-facing AI tools are in use due to lingering risk concerns. Instead, these tools are provided to VA employees, ensuring correct information dissemination to veterans. The VA’s cautious approach to integrating AI reflects a broader trend of balancing innovation with the need to ensure data security and reliability, emphasizing the importance of responsible technology implementation.

Cantor recognized the potential of AI technology to address interoperability issues and data standards but cautioned against assuming it as a panacea. Addressing interoperability and standardization issues outside AI remains a priority. The VA is carefully evaluating the impact of AI on its systems and processes to ensure that any integration enhances, rather than hinders, the quality of care provided to veterans. The aim is to leverage AI’s capabilities to optimize operations, improve data accuracy, and support clinical decision-making without compromising patient safety or privacy.

Improving Veteran Outreach

Despite the change in presidential administrations, VA’s dedication to improving outreach programs for veterans remains a top priority. Cantor made it clear that the goal is to help veterans understand and access the benefits they have earned. Addressing veteran suicides continues to be a critical issue, and the VA is instrumental in various outreach and innovative initiatives like Mission Daybreak. The former administration’s PREVENTS program laid a strong foundation focusing on mental health awareness, resource connectivity, and suicide prevention research.

Cantor stressed the importance of community involvement in reaching veterans who are at risk. He also emphasized the need for accountability in these outreach programs. The VA’s ongoing commitment ensures veterans receive the vital support and resources they require to thrive. By fostering connections with community organizations and leveraging technology for better communication, the VA aims to build a robust support network for veterans nationwide. This approach not only makes veterans aware of the benefits available but also empowers them to fully utilize the support programs designed for their well-being.

Moving forward into 2025 under the new administration, stabilizing and improving EHR rollout, refining community care information exchange, and integrating emerging technologies cautiously are priorities. Continuing effective outreach and support are crucial for the VA. These efforts reflect a bipartisan commitment to enhancing care and accessibility for veterans. The focus is on creating a seamless, efficient, and veteran-centric system that harnesses the latest advancements in technology and healthcare to meet veterans’ unique needs.

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