search
Department of Veterans Affairs
Trends
- 1Congress presses Oracle over $17 billion VA health records increase●Congress presses Oracle for answers on VA’s $17 billion EHR increase
Lawmakers are pressing Oracle for answers about the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic health records program after its cost rose to roughly $17 billion. Congress is seeking explanations for the sharp increase in spending on the troubled modernization effort. The program, based on Oracle Cerner technology, has faced repeated delays, cost overruns and safety concerns during its rollout across VA medical facilities.
- 2V.A. Introduces New Consent Rules for Some Psychiatric Drugs●V.A. Institutes New Consent Requirements for Some Psychiatric Drugs
The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced new consent requirements covering certain psychiatric drugs prescribed to veterans. Under the change, patients will need to give informed consent before receiving some of these medications, a move affecting how psychiatric care is delivered across the V.A. health system.
- 3Women veterans say military healthcare system fails them at home▼Women fight America’s wars. The military healthcare system fails them at home
A new opinion piece argues that women who serve in America's wars are being let down by the military healthcare system once they return home. It highlights a gap between women's growing role in the armed forces and the support and medical care available to them as veterans, prompting renewed debate over how the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs serve female service members.
- 4Veterans Appeals and Claims Nominees Face Senate Grilling▼Veterans Appeals, Claims Nominees in Hot Seat at Senate Grilling
Nominees for senior positions overseeing veterans appeals and claims appeared before a Senate committee for confirmation questioning. Lawmakers pressed the candidates on backlogs, processing delays and reform of the benefits system. The hearing comes as the Department of Veterans Affairs faces continued scrutiny over how quickly veterans receive decisions on disability and benefits claims.
- 5VA Opens 18th Food Hub for Food-Insecure Veterans▼VA Launches 18th Food Hub as Veterans 7.4% More Likely to Experience Food Insecurity
The Department of Veterans Affairs has opened its 18th food hub, part of its effort to address hunger among former service members. The move comes as statistics show veterans are 7.4% more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population, prompting attention to how the VA is expanding food assistance programs for those who served.