The VA and Department of Government Efficiency cancelled multiple companies supporting their Oracle Health EHR rollout in recent weeks, according to Federal News Network.
The agency terminated contracts with at least six companies supporting the $16 billion rollout, shortly after VA leaders reported plans to accelerate the installation timeline during a Congressional hearing Feb. 24. The VA told Congress it would integrate the EHR into nine more hospitals than originally planned this year.
The VA’s EHR Modernization Integration Office also lost 24 employees as part of the government’s effort to downsize; some took “deferred resignation” while others were fired, according to the report.
Some of the contracts have been partially renewed, although many of the companies had already laid off workers or parted ways with subject matter experts who were vital to supporting the EHR rollout, according to the report.
The contract cuts have focused on EHR support vendors, including the company tasked with ensuring HIPAA compliance. The VA hasn’t altered its contract with Oracle Health.
