03/17/2010
The American Hospital Association supplemented its previous "meaningful use" comments with new input on electronic health record certification. An EHR vendor group and an association of health IT executives also sent in comments. HealthLeaders Media, Health Data Management.
03/17/2010
The Federal Communications Commission's new blueprint for extending high-speed broadband connectivity nationwide includes recommendations designed to boost health IT adoption and promote telemedicine technologies.The 2009 federal economic stimulus package directed FCC to develop the plan. Government Health IT, Federal Computer Week.
03/17/2010
At a conference in Barcelona this week, the European Union released a declaration for the advancement of health IT that lays out key objectives for the next 10 years. U.S. officials participating in the conference pledged to collaborate with the EU. E-Health Insider, Healthcare IT News.
03/16/2010
On the final day of a public comment period, the American Medical Association, the Medical Group Management Association and other physician groups submitted comments calling for CMS to scale back the "meaningful use" requirements. Modern Healthcare et al.
03/16/2010
The California hospital system is investing $400 million to reignite an earlier project to implement electronic health records at all of its 26 facilities. Sutter Health officials identified five facilities that are slated for EHR installation next year. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Business Times.
03/16/2010
A number of groups are urging CMS to preserve elements of proposed standards for "meaningful use" of health IT that focus on consumers. The groups maintain that the patient-centric elements of the criteria will not be onerous for health care providers. Government Health IT.
03/16/2010
In its latest grant announcement, HHS identified 16 states and state-designated entities that will receive funds for health information exchange activities. With the new awards, all U.S. states and eligible territories will have received health data exchange funds from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. Healthcare IT News et al.
03/15/2010
Large hospitals and health care systems can share more patient records by leasing their electronic health record software to smaller physician groups. The practice also makes EHR software more affordable for small-scale health care providers. HealthLeaders Magazine.
03/15/2010
The Health IT Policy Committee's adoption and certification work group recently called for officials to establish a national database of safety hazards related to health IT system malfunctions. A patient safety organization would oversee the database and create safety reports to guide health care providers and policymakers. Government Health IT, Federal Computer Week.
03/15/2010
The Certification Commission for Health IT sent comments calling for federal officials to refine the required standards for electronic health record certification. Meanwhile, eHealth Initiative and Premier submitted comments on CMS' proposed "meaningful use" rule. Modern Healthcare et al.
03/15/2010
Officials at the Drummond Group said the organization plans to seek the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's seal of approval to test and certify electronic health record systems under the requirements of the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. Healthcare IT News.
03/12/2010
The Health IT Standards Committee is urging vendors and users of electronic health record modules to monitor the products for potential security breaches. The recommendation is part of the panel's comments on the interim final rule on EHR certification. Government Health IT.
03/12/2010
A Senate jobs bill passed this week includes a provision that would make it easier for certain hospital-based physicians to qualify for federal incentive payments for the "meaningful use" of electronic health records. Currently, the 2009 federal economic stimulus package excludes all hospital-based physicians from the EHR incentive program. Health Data Management et al.
03/12/2010
FDA is asking 350 hospitals to report health IT system malfunctions that could jeopardize patient safety. The agency specifically is looking to identify problems with electronic systems that help physicians prescribe medications. Huffington Post Investigative Fund.
03/11/2010
Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that eliminating the planned redesign of the agency's Replacement Scheduling Application Development program would account for about two-thirds of the expected savings from canceling 12 IT programs. Federal Computer Week.