EHR Program RESET Act of 2023 Electronic Health Record Program Restructure, Enhance, Strengthen, and Empower Technology Act of 2023
A significant aspect of HB 2809 is its mandate that the Department of Veterans Affairs must meet or exceed national healthcare performance metrics before rolling out new electronic health record systems at additional locations. This measure aims to enhance accountability, improve patient safety, and ensure that the systems in use are effective and secure. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for greater collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense regarding health information technology, recognizing the interdependencies within their digital services.
House Bill 2809, titled the 'EHR Program RESET Act of 2023,' is designed to restructure, enhance, and empower the electronic health record modernization program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill establishes a program office to oversee the modernization of health information technology, ensuring greater scrutiny and efficiency that directly benefits veterans, healthcare providers, and taxpayers. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining operational integrity and quality service for veterans while deploying new electronic health records across various facilities.
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2809 is the potential bureaucratic hurdles it may introduce, as some stakeholders worry that the rigorous criteria for deployment might slow down the implementation of necessary technology upgrades. Critics argue that while the intention for oversight is valid, excessively stringent requirements could delay improvements in veterans' access to health services. Furthermore, existing contracts with technology providers, particularly Oracle and Cerner, could face scrutiny, sparking debates on the effectiveness and reliability of their services in the face of new performance requirements.