Noteboom The Law Firm

House Bill Would Remove VA’s Management of VistA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently in charge of operating its own Veteran's Health Information System and Technology Architecture (VistA) electronic health record system. If Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) has his way, however, that control will be taken away.

If passed, Rep. Donnelly's bill (H.R. 2470) would take management of the system from the VA and give it over to a VA/Department of Defense (DoD) Interagency Program Office (IPO). That IPO would be responsible for managing the creation of a single joint electronic health record to be used by both the VA and the DoD.

Thomas Murphy is the Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) director of compensation service. Murphy explained to the House VA Committee that passing Donnelly's bill would directly affect provided health care. Transferring management of the system would disrupt the system's management and result in uncertainty, according to Murphy.

Passing H.R. 2470 would mean the IPO would become the only office between the DoD and the VA accountable for "electronic health record capabilities," which includes those capabilities offered prior to Jan. 16, 2008. The IPO, then, would be responsible for managing legacy systems, and it is feared doing so would take much of the IPO's attention and time. Managing legacy systems day-to-day would diminish the IPO capability of performing its main function, which is creating the integrated electronic health record.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.