Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly, Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, questioned experts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at a hearing on a number of veterans-related bills, including Donnelly’s bill, The Ensuring Servicemembers’ Electronic Records’ Viability (E-SERV) Act, H.R. 2470.
The E-SERV Act is designed to improve the efficiency of the current electronic health record system for military personnel and veterans. Created in April 2008 by Congress, the Interagency Program Office (IPO) coordinates the implementation of and transition to a system where the U.S. Departments of Defense (DOD) and VA maintain common and transferable health records for servicemembers and veterans throughout their lives. Under existing law, the IPO lacks sufficient authority to implement ongoing developments to the electronic health record system that would make the system more efficient.
“What has been the driver behind the recent attempts to empower the IPO?” asked Donnelly. “And if this public law, 109-461— if it was passed 3 years ago, why are we just now beginning to attempt to approve the IPO?” To watch the answers from the VA officials to these questions and further inquiries from Congressman Donnelly, visit his YouTube page.
Donnelly questions VA officials at a hearing on his E-SERV Act today. To watch his questions and the VA officials’ answers, click here.
To learn more about Donnelly’s E-SERV Act, click here.
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