McMorris Rodgers Statement on Completion of the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization Strategic Review

Washington, D.C. (June 30, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today issued the following statement after Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough announced the completion of the 90-day Electronic Health Record Modernization Strategic Review:

“The VA made the right decision when it paused the EHRM and ordered a strategic review. Problems that have been identified at Mann-Grandstaff must be resolved before the system is deployed at additional VA sites. Transparency around the findings of the strategic review and accountability within the VA will be vital for righting the ship, as well as delivering Eastern Washington veterans the care they deserve.”

Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mike Bost (IL-12) also issued the following statement:

“I commend VA for pausing the Electronic Health Record Modernization program to solve the serious problems found in Spokane. The Secretary made the right call. Going forward, VA must demonstrate to Congress and veterans that this review was successful, and those problems are fixed. Adjusting the organizational chart is not enough. The electronic health record must improve. We also expect transparency and reliability in the schedule and cost estimate. This is already a multibillion-dollar effort. We owe it to veterans and taxpayers to make certain that it is a good and fruitful investment.”

NOTE: In March, Cathy called for a review of the Cerner electronic health record (EHR) system at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane after hearing an increasing number of complaints and pleas for help from veterans in Eastern Washington. Her request was immediately agreed to by Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. Cathy continues to advocate for veterans, working to restore 24/7 urgent care and to address the community care backlog at the Mann-Grandstaff medical center.