Mike Bost (R-IL) on Monday signed on as the lead original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to authorize an electronic health record (EHR) modernization program in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“For too long veterans and VA staff have struggled with this dangerous, error-ridden system, Rep. Bost said. “The situation is unacceptable, and it is time for Congress to step in.”
The Electronic Health Record Program Restructure, Enhance, Strengthen, and Empower Technology Act of 2023, H.R. 2809, also known as the EHR Program RESET Act of 2023, is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and also would increase oversight and accountability of the EHR program to better serve America’s military veterans, VA medical professionals, and taxpayers, according to the text of the bill.
“While I am encouraged that [VA] Secretary McDonough has finally recognized the gravity of the situation and begun moving VA in the right direction, Congress has a duty to make sure any solution is comprehensive and bipartisan,” said Rep. Bost, chairman of the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Rep. Bost also noted that H.R. 2809 “is critical to resolve the system’s impacts on the existing VA facilities and protect additional facilities by listening to the VA healthcare staff on the ground.”
If enacted, H.R. 2809 would reorganize management to include a reporting structure; restrict monetization or selling of veterans’ data by any internal or external entity conducting work for, with, or on behalf of the VA; and create a requirement that the VA must return the current five sites to a level determined to meet or exceed performance baselines, among other provisions, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“I’m pleased to be working with Chairman Bost on introducing this bill in the House and look forward to the House and Senate coming together on a much-needed solution for this troubled-IT program,” said Rep. Takano who serves as ranking member on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Among the seven other members who joined Rep. Bost as an original cosponsor of the bill were U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH).