Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the It Modernization topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lawmakers Weigh EHR Modernization, Data Protections and Study of Distributed Ledger Technology for VA Claims
Summary
The subcommittee discussed electronic health record modernization, protections for veterans' health data, and a proposed study on distributed ledger (blockchain) technology to improve claims adjudication and reduce duplicate records.
Members of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee discussed multiple technology modernization proposals, including the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program, statutory language to protect veterans’ personal data, and H.R. 3455, a study directing the VA to evaluate distributed ledger technology (often described as blockchain) for claims processing.
Ms. Sherry Waters, Acting DCIO for VA IT, told the committee VA "supports the intent" of EHR modernization provisions but suggested technical collaboration on sections where VA raised concerns. She said the department has active plans to accelerate EHRM site deployments but cautioned that earlier deployments had suffered from staffing, scheduling and cost estimation problems.
The American Legion supported provisions that would standardize clinical workflows and secure personal data; the group urged safeguards that prevent inappropriate monetization of veterans' protected health information.
Cody Carbone of the Digital Chamber urged Congress to explore distributed ledger technologies and backed H.R. 3455, the Veterans Affairs Distributed Ledger Innovation Act of 2025, saying a study could identify use cases where immutable, auditable ledgers reduce duplicate records and fraud. "Blockchain is not a buzzword... It's infrastructure," Carbone said, arguing that distributed ledgers can provide cryptographic verification of records, create auditable trails and facilitate coordination across silos.
VA witnesses and oversight officials emphasized that technical solutions must be paired with adequate staffing and sound deployment schedules. Ranking Member Ramirez told the panel the committee must balance investments in technology with investments in staff and process improvements. VA officials committed to provide requested staffing data and technical assistance to the committee.
Next steps: VA and committee staff agreed to collaborate on technical language for EHRM provisions and to consider how any study of distributed ledger technology would address privacy, interoperability and implementation risks before statutory enactment.
