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State Controlling Board Approves Funds for New Veteran Medical Records System

Johnson Praises Positive Affect on Quality of Care for Aging Veterans
October 22, 2019
Terry Johnson News
 
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State Controlling Board Approves Funds for New Veteran Medical Records System
COLUMBUS—On Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board released $834,360 to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services to support a new Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for Ohio Veterans Homes in Brown and Erie counties.

"By investing in these new systems, we are giving those who provide these crucial services the tools to improve their operations, ultimately improving care and accessibility for those who have made great sacrifices for our nation," said State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott). "When they were young, they raised their right hand and made a commitment to serve our nation. The least we can do for them is continue to find new ways to improve their quality of life as they enter our aging population."

A quality EMR system is essential for the ability of the Department of Veterans Services to deliver quality care to hundreds of residents who depend on their services. Currently, the system struggles to provide the comprehensive data necessary to adequately care for veterans in need. Additionally, the current system no longer meets all government regulatory and compliance requirements.

The new EMR system will improve efficiency and effectiveness by fully automating many of the clinical functions, saving time, money and providing a clear picture of the care needed from the original entry of orders by their doctor.

As an Ohio National Guard Senior Flight Surgeon, Johnson treated troops in harm's way during two tours to Iraq and one in Kuwait. He ended his military career in 2011 as the National Guard's State Surgeon.

"I spent my military career providing the best medical care I could to those who put themselves in harm's way, and efforts that improve the care of veterans later in life is a natural progression of that work," added Johnson. "I sincerely thank everyone at Ohio Veterans Homes and Ohio Department of Veteran Services for all of their work to provide quality care to our Veterans."

Opened in 2003, the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown (Brown County) offers 168 beds for nursing home care. Two levels of care are offered: standard care for veterans in need of any intermediate level of care, and special care for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving services from Ohio Veterans Homes, please visit their website at http://dvs.ohio.gov/main/ovh-georgetown-home.html. For more information, contact Senator Johnson's office at (614) 466 8082 or Johnson@OhioSenate.gov.