In case you haven’t already heard, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that they will continue working with Oracle Cerner on the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) project. However, instead of a long-term five year contract, they will be moving forward with a short-term year-to-year contract. 

The new contract includes clearer performance metrics and tougher penalties for poor performance, which I’m hopeful will lead to more accountability and oversight of the project. While I believe this is a step in the right direction,  I still stand firm that we need to pull the plug on this system completely. Veterans and medical center employees need certainty and a system that works.

My commitment to delivering on that promise and ensuring veterans in Eastern Washington get the best care our country has to offer will not waiver, and I will keep you updated as I continue working to roll out the red carpet for veterans.