Emerging Tech
VA launches new platform to help veterans identify and report scams
Scammers have increasingly targeted veterans and their beneficiaries, particularly after the PACT Act expanded benefits and health services for retired service members.
Digital Government
Lawmakers look to extend COVID-19 telehealth med exemption for veterans
A bipartisan House bill would allow VA clinicians to prescribe veterans with controlled medications through the targeted extension of a pandemic-era waiver.
Modernization
VA launches revamped burn pit registry with automatic enrollment
The upgraded database of veterans exposed to toxic pollutants and trash burn pits came after “extensive feedback” showed the platform was difficult for many retired service members to navigate.
Emerging Tech
New bill pushes VA to examine how blockchain can enhance its work
Legislation from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., would require VA to explore the benefits and risks of using distributed ledger technology.
Modernization
Cost overruns, delays plague VA’s new integrated financial management system
The rollout of VA’s modernized financial management and acquisition system has been affected by delays in the department’s new electronic health record system, since “multiple deployments” depend on the EHR’s launch at medical facilities.
Modernization
VA’s planned restart of EHR rollouts draws lawmaker concern
“I think we are far from ready to endorse further go-live activities,” Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., said about VA’s plan to resume deployments in fiscal year 2025.
Digital Government
VA pushes vets to Login-dot-gov or ID-dot-me for online access
VA said the change is estimated to affect approximately 3 million veterans, and phases out two legacy identity options currently supported by the agency for online access.
Digital Government
VA unable to collect over $665M in revenue because of tool suspension, OIG says
VA paused its use of a tool that consolidates community care data in February 2023 “after becoming aware of issues with its database code logic and of compromised stored data.”
Digital Government
Lawmakers want VA to report on its use of automation to process benefits claims
The legislative proposal seeks to enhance VA’s adoption of new technologies, including providing lawmakers with “a timeline for modifying and implementing the use of such automation tools” in the benefits claims process.
Modernization
Lawmakers press VA to report on delays in burn pit registry revamp
An October 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine said VA should “initiate a new phase” of its Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to make it “a user-friendly, efficient and effective resource.”
Acquisition
VA extends EHR contract with Oracle Cerner for 11 months
The agreement comes after Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said the department plans to end its pause on deployments of the modernized electronic health record system during fiscal year 2025.
Emerging Tech
Veterans Health Administration creates new office to streamline tech initiatives
The Veterans Health Administration has combined a number of its existing programs into one office to serve as the agency’s “central coordinator of digital health strategy and execution.”
Modernization
VA still needs to shore up usability of new EHR system, GAO says
More than one-third of the government watchdog's priority open recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs have to do with improving oversight and management of the new electronic health record system.
People
VA's tech training program for vets is up for renewal, but backers want more accountability
A provision in a recently introduced legislative package would extend VA’s VET-TEC training program through September 2026 while seeking to address employment disparities.
Policy
VA says it's seeing more patients than ever and cutting wait times for them
Staffing and productivity gains will allow VA to continue functioning more efficiently while avoiding burnout, official says.
Digital Government
DOD, VA need more data on how their toxic exposure tracking app is used, watchdog says
A report from the Government Accountability Office found that oversight of the joint system for centralizing toxic exposure records has fallen off, despite a growing influx of PACT Act-related claims.
Acquisition
VA extends Oracle's EHR contract for 1 month
Lawmakers are pressing for more accountability in the multibillion dollar contract amid delays, system downtime and patient safety concerns.
Digital Government
Automation helped VA approve 1 million PACT Act claims, officials say
The agency is relying on automated decision support and other optimization efforts to help process claims for veterans exposed to burn pits and other chemicals.
Artificial Intelligence
VA is already using AI to identify and assist veterans in crisis, officials say
The use of AI capabilities to review the agency’s surveys to veterans has helped save a couple thousand lives and helped another couple thousand retired servicemembers receive housing, according to VA’s chief veterans experience officer.
Modernization
Proposed deep cuts to VA’s tech budget rankle lawmakers
The Biden administration’s FY25 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs proposes steep cuts to the agency’s IT services, including a 99% reduction in VA’s development initiatives from FY24.
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