The VA is set to resume its electronic health record modernization program in 2026, nearly three years since it was paused in 2023.

During the pause, the agency focused on developing a new strategy for deployment to improve success and boost patient safety. VA now plans to jumpstart the program with a focus on functionality and interoperability of the system, Dr. Neil Evans, VA's acting program executive director of VA's Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office explains.

Evans discusses how this shift in thinking is building the foundation of a stronger, more functional EHR program. He said the EHR rollout will be conducted in "waves," where geographically connected medical centers will deploy at the same time so that patients who maneuver between them will have their record accessible no matter where they seek care.