The Future Focus at the VA
With President Trump's second term underway, there are many potential changes ahead for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Efforts by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency are charting a new path forward that could significantly enhance information technology modernization efforts across government agencies, including the VA.
As outlined in the Jan. 20 DOGE Executive Order, a key focus will be on “modernizing federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” This initiative highlights the administration's commitment to leveraging technology to drive efficiencies and mission outcomes.
For industry members, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge — to develop solutions that not only enhance efficiencies and reduce costs but also improve care for veterans. On top of this, with the VA and other government agencies grappling with the potential reduction in full-time employees, it will be essential for the private sector to address these talent gaps.
The Future Focus at the VA
Under President Trump's second term, the VA's primary priorities center on putting veterans at the center of care, expanding community care, as well as addressing the shifting demographics of veterans. These goals emphasize empowering veterans in their health care choices and prioritizing their overall needs over bureaucratic processes.
The VA MISSION Act of 2018, which expanded veterans' access to private health care providers, is expected to remain a key component of the agency's mission under the new administration. This legislation has provided veterans with greater flexibility in choosing their healthcare options, and it is likely that this trend will continue under President Trump.
The VA EHR Modernization Roadmap
One of the key initiatives under the new administration will be the modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic health record (EHR) system. The VHA legacy support through VistA-as-a-Service is critical during this transition, as it maintains and modernizes VistA while prioritizing the seamless rollout of the EHRM program.
By leveraging solutions like VaaS, the VA can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and free up federal staff to concentrate on rolling out new EHR sites. This minimizes disruptions and reduces the risk of errors that could adversely impact veterans.
The Impact on Veterans
The successful implementation of these initiatives will strengthen the VA's mission and improve outcomes for those who have served our nation. By maintaining legacy systems like VistA while prioritizing the seamless rollout of the EHRM program, the VA can ensure that veterans remain at the center of care.
Wrapping it All Together
The challenges surrounding the VA's EHR modernization have been well-documented. However, the focus should now shift toward ensuring its future success. By maintaining legacy systems like VistA while prioritizing the seamless rollout of the EHRM program, the VA can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and free up federal staff to concentrate on rolling out new EHR sites.
Conclusion
The Department of Veterans Affairs is charting a new path forward with President Trump's second term, focusing on modernizing federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity. The successful implementation of these initiatives will strengthen the VA's mission and improve outcomes for those who have served our nation.