Health department

Lawmakers are pressing Oracle for answers about the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic health records program after its cost rose to roughly $17 billion. Congress is seeking explanations for the sharp increase in spending on the troubled modernization effort. The program, based on Oracle Cerner technology, has faced repeated delays, cost overruns and safety concerns during its rollout across VA medical facilities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced new consent requirements covering certain psychiatric drugs prescribed to veterans. Under the change, patients will need to give informed consent before receiving some of these medications, a move affecting how psychiatric care is delivered across the V.A. health system.

President Trump is invoking a rarely used authority to cancel close to $1 billion in Department of Health and Human Services programs that Congress had already funded. The move bypasses lawmakers who approved the spending, drawing criticism from opponents of unilateral budget actions. Health policy observers are watching for which programs are affected and whether Congress will push back.

Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Department of Health and Human Services over its handling of legal representation for migrant children in federal custody. The push questions whether detained minors are being given adequate access to attorneys and due process protections. The exchange adds to ongoing partisan disputes over immigration enforcement and the treatment of unaccompanied children crossing the US border.

The Berrien County Health Department in Michigan has received a grant to help cover the costs of responding to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection typically linked to contaminated food or water, and outbreaks often require costly investigation, testing, and public health outreach. Local outlets report the funding will support the department's ongoing response efforts.

San Diego County has announced the appointment of a new director to lead its Health and Human Services Agency, the department overseeing public health, social services and welfare programs for the region. The county's official news center published the announcement, though details about the appointee's identity and background were not included in the available information. Local residents are following the news because the agency plays a central role in delivering health and safety-net services across the county.

The Department of Human Services has announced new and expanded partnerships aimed at reducing suicide deaths across the state. The initiative is intended to strengthen suicide prevention efforts by working with partner organisations on outreach, support services and crisis response. Details about the specific partners and funding were not included in the announcement, and public reaction has so far been limited.

The Tennessee Department of General Services has announced a change in plans concerning the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga. The state facility, which serves residents of the region with psychiatric care, has been the subject of long-running discussions about its future and possible redevelopment. Details of the revised plans have not yet been fully outlined.