Leader of Cerner EHR project for VA cites ‘differing directions’ for resignation
Genevieve Morris, chief health information officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’ Office of EHR Modernization, announced her resignation Aug. 24.
She was leading the VA’s $10 billion transition to Cerner’s electronic health record (EHR) system. Morris was on detail from her original post as principal deputy national coordinator for interoperability efforts for the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC.)
Posting her letter of resignation on Twitter after submitting it to her superiors, Morris noted a divergence in approach to EHR modernization. In June, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie was repeatedly questioned about efforts to privatize the VA during his confirmation hearings.
“Over the last few weeks, it has become clear to me that VA’s leadership intends to take the EHR modernization effort in a different direction than we were headed, and since my service as CHIO was always intended to be an interim solution, I am offering my resignation to the administration effective immediately.”
Her resignation, which took effect immediately, comes in the wake of the departure of Ashwini Zenooz, the chief medical officer in charge of EHR implementation. Politico reported “some jitters” inside the VA about top-level turnover and staff expertise during the implementation of the new EHR system for the department.
See her full statement below:
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.