VA Pushes Forward with Artificial Intelligence Deployment
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is moving swiftly to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, a senior technology leader told lawmakers this week. Charles Worthington, the VA’s chief data officer and chief technology officer, emphasized the agency’s commitment to leveraging AI to improve care delivery and streamline administrative processes across its vast network of facilities.
Speaking before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, Worthington highlighted the agency’s progress in deploying a secure, generative AI tool accessible to all VA employees. “In surveys, users of this tool are reporting that it’s saving them over two hours per week,” he noted.
Worthington outlined several key applications of AI within the VA, including machine learning tools for earlier disease detection and ambient listening technologies expected to roll out later this year. Additionally, AI is being employed to identify veterans at high risk of overdose or suicide, signaling the potential for life-saving interventions.
Challenges in Implementation and Integration
Despite these promising developments, Worthington acknowledged significant hurdles. “Integrating new AI solutions with a complex system architecture and balancing innovation with stringent security compliance is crucial,” he told lawmakers.
Carol Harris, director of information technology and cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), echoed these concerns. She warned that existing federal AI policies could impede the agency’s adoption of generative AI, particularly in areas related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT acquisitions.
“Generative AI requires robust infrastructure with substantial computational resources,” Harris explained. “The VA has reported difficulties in accessing and receiving funding for such infrastructure.” To address these obstacles, the GAO has proposed an “AI accountability framework” in its latest report.
Infrastructure and Facility Readiness
Lawmakers questioned the VA’s readiness to scale AI technologies across more than 170 medical centers and satellite locations. Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) expressed concern about the disjointed nature of the VA’s facilities. “You have 172 different silos, and they don’t communicate very well,” he observed.
While Worthington maintained that AI tools are in use nationwide, Luttrell countered that some facilities lack the infrastructure necessary to support these tools. “We keep compounding software on top of software, and some sites can’t function at all with the new systems,” he said.
Worthington admitted that standardizing systems across the VA remains a challenge. However, he pointed to tools like the VA GPT, a generative AI platform now available to all employees, as a step toward creating a unified digital infrastructure. “We can’t wait because AI is here whether we’re ready or not,” he stressed.
Recruitment and Retention of AI Talent
Another major concern raised during the hearing was the VA’s ability to attract and retain top AI talent. Worthington acknowledged the difficulty, noting that scaling commercial AI tools also brings new financial burdens. “Recruiting and retaining AI talent remains one of our biggest challenges,” he said.
Lawmakers from both parties emphasized the importance of building a skilled and sustainable workforce to support the VA’s AI ambitions. Without it, they warned, even the best technologies could falter.
Data Privacy and Security Remain Top Concerns
Data security emerged as a key focus throughout the hearing. Given the VA’s extensive repository of sensitive medical data, lawmakers pressed Worthington on how the agency ensures AI systems meet rigorous security and privacy standards before deployment.
“Before we bring a system into production, we review it for compliance with all security and privacy requirements,” Worthington explained. “We also require our partners to attest to and agree with those standards.”
Subcommittee Chair Tom Barrett (R-Mich.) voiced concerns about third-party vendors potentially exploiting VA data. “I don’t want private providers to leech off the VA’s data solely for their benefit,” he said, emphasizing that any AI development must prioritize veterans’ welfare.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Responsible AI Use
As the VA continues its push towards AI integration, lawmakers and oversight agencies are urging caution. They stress that while AI holds immense potential to transform veteran care, it must be implemented responsibly—with robust safeguards for data privacy, adequate infrastructure, and a well-prepared workforce.
Worthington concluded by reaffirming the VA’s commitment to these principles. “The responsible use of AI is a top priority,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that all systems meet high standards of security, privacy, and effectiveness.”
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