[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":1333,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"selectors":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":3,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":"A letter from Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) is challenging top IT executives in the Department of Veterans Affairs to better implement health IT to improve care.

James Gfrerer recently was sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and CIO at the VA, and with the new appointments came a challenge from Tester asking the agency to use technology to treat veterans better.

\u201cThe operation of VA\u2019s Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) has been under severe, well-deserved scrutiny in recent years,\u201d Tester\u2019s letter noted. \u201cAnd I trust that the continued presence of information technology challenges on GAO\u2019s high-risk list is of serious concern to you.

\u201cThere is no doubt that insufficient resources, a chronic lack of transparency and an inability to effectively prioritize countless completing objectives have led to serious questions about VA\u2019s ability to meet the standard of technology necessary to serve our nation\u2019s veterans,\u201d Tester continued. \u201cToday, I write to share some of the chief concerns and to request information about OI&T\u2019s path forward.\u201d

Also See:<\/b> Pacific Northwest VA region picks Carestream image platform<\/a>

To start with, Congress cannot fulfill its responsibility to fund the VA if it does not have an accurate assessment of OI&T\u2019s true needs, Tester noted. He spoke of fumbling of IT initiatives and an information technology budget reflecting drastic cuts. Despite a fully funded increase in Fiscal Year 2019, \u201cthe account is nearly $100 million less than 2017 funding levels,\u201d Tester contended. \u201cA budget request that reflects the accurate needs of the Department, in addition to the resources needed for the electronic Health Record Modernization project, is essential if VA is to carry out the healthcare and benefit priorities that Congress has established.\u201d

For example, OI&T has not ensured timely implementation of software to process monthly housing stipends, as required, and the VA cannot continue to operate in a technology environment in which the largest and latest crisis drives the agenda.

\u201cOne key to a more proactive stance is ensuring you have permanent senior staff and adequate levels of front line staff to provide customer service to VA\u2019s various administrations,\u201d Tester continued. \u201cI stand ready to assist should you need any new legislative authority or additional financial resources to support properly staffing and retaining employees.\u201d

The Senator further warned that as the new VA electronic health record is implemented, Gfrerer\u2019s role should be to ensure implementation mistakes of the past should not be repeated.

Tester also insisted that VA invest in IT updates to benefits, payroll, compensation, disability and appeals processes, along with the agency\u2019s new CareGiver program, called CareT.

\u201cIt is my understanding that CareT, the new IT system being developed to support the CareGiver program, may not be able to support the current or expanded program,\u201d Tester said. \u201cThis could ultimately force the Department to purchase a commercial off-the-shelf system and delay expansion of the Caregiver benefit. Such as outcome would be unacceptable to veterans, their families and caregivers, and Congress.\u201d

Consequently, Tester asked for a list of VA projects including metrics and processes used to prioritize the projects. \u201cI look forward to learning whether you will evaluate the process VA uses for IT project management,\u201d he concluded.
","saveContent":"A letter from Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) is challenging top IT executives in the Department of Veterans Affairs to better implement health IT to improve care.

James Gfrerer recently was sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and CIO at the VA, and with the new appointments came a challenge from Tester asking the agency to use technology to treat veterans better.

\u201cThe operation of VA\u2019s Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) has been under severe, well-deserved scrutiny in recent years,\u201d Tester\u2019s letter noted. \u201cAnd I trust that the continued presence of information technology challenges on GAO\u2019s high-risk list is of serious concern to you.

\u201cThere is no doubt that insufficient resources, a chronic lack of transparency and an inability to effectively prioritize countless completing objectives have led to serious questions about VA\u2019s ability to meet the standard of technology necessary to serve our nation\u2019s veterans,\u201d Tester continued. \u201cToday, I write to share some of the chief concerns and to request information about OI&T\u2019s path forward.\u201d

Also See:<\/b> Pacific Northwest VA region picks Carestream image platform<\/a>

To start with, Congress cannot fulfill its responsibility to fund the VA if it does not have an accurate assessment of OI&T\u2019s true needs, Tester noted. He spoke of fumbling of IT initiatives and an information technology budget reflecting drastic cuts. Despite a fully funded increase in Fiscal Year 2019, \u201cthe account is nearly $100 million less than 2017 funding levels,\u201d Tester contended. \u201cA budget request that reflects the accurate needs of the Department, in addition to the resources needed for the electronic Health Record Modernization project, is essential if VA is to carry out the healthcare and benefit priorities that Congress has established.\u201d

For example, OI&T has not ensured timely implementation of software to process monthly housing stipends, as required, and the VA cannot continue to operate in a technology environment in which the largest and latest crisis drives the agenda.

\u201cOne key to a more proactive stance is ensuring you have permanent senior staff and adequate levels of front line staff to provide customer service to VA\u2019s various administrations,\u201d Tester continued. \u201cI stand ready to assist should you need any new legislative authority or additional financial resources to support properly staffing and retaining employees.\u201d

The Senator further warned that as the new VA electronic health record is implemented, Gfrerer\u2019s role should be to ensure implementation mistakes of the past should not be repeated.

Tester also insisted that VA invest in IT updates to benefits, payroll, compensation, disability and appeals processes, along with the agency\u2019s new CareGiver program, called CareT.

\u201cIt is my understanding that CareT, the new IT system being developed to support the CareGiver program, may not be able to support the current or expanded program,\u201d Tester said. \u201cThis could ultimately force the Department to purchase a commercial off-the-shelf system and delay expansion of the Caregiver benefit. Such as outcome would be unacceptable to veterans, their families and caregivers, and Congress.\u201d

Consequently, Tester asked for a list of VA projects including metrics and processes used to prioritize the projects. \u201cI look forward to learning whether you will evaluate the process VA uses for IT project management,\u201d he concluded.
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Tester challenges VA to improve IT operations and processes

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