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

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 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

Veterans Affairs Rolls Out Ethics Framework for Guarding Vets’ Data

The agency aims to set expectations around who can manage, view and access veteran data.

Modernization

GAO Recommends VA Pause EHR Deployment to Resolve Issues

The Veterans Affairs Department told auditors it will move on with deployments while addressing test findings. 

Emerging Tech

VA Partners with AT&T to Extend its 5G Experimentation

A fresh installation was many months in the making, officials explained.

Emerging Tech

5G in Action

Civilian and defense agencies lay the groundwork for next-generation communications.