WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a new contract agreement with Oracle Cerner for the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program:

“VA’s work to renegotiate its contract with Oracle Cerner is a step in the right direction, but fixing the current EHRM program will require a major overhaul. I introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act earlier this year to make certain the program does not move forward without first undergoing serious changes. Our veterans deserve the best care our country can offer, and I will continue working to make certain this program works for our veterans.”

Sen. Moran introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act in March that would stop further rollout of the EHR system until the improvements outlined in the legislation were met.

Sen. Moran addressed the shortcomings of the EHR system during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing earlier this year and questioned Neil C. Evans, VA Acting Program Executive Director, EHR Modernization Integration Office.

The centers currently utilizing the EHR system are located in Spokane, Wash.; Walla Walla, Wash.; Columbus, Ohio; White City, Ore.; and Roseburg, Ore.

Sen. Moran and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced the VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act last year to increase transparency around the Electronic Health Record Modernization program. This legislation was signed into law in July.