The State Alliance for e-Health last month issued new guidance for state health information exchanges.
The alliance, composed of governors, state legislators, attorneys general and state commissioners, included information on how states can lead the way in using healthcare IT as they begin instituting the federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.
The HITECH Act, part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, expands the role of states in fostering health information exchange and adoption of electronic health records over the next five years.
“Governors understand that swift and thoughtful action is needed at the state level to plan and implement a national system of health information exchange,” said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, co-chairman of the alliance. “Widespread adoption and use of electronic health records provides a critical foundation for improving health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.”
The report recommends actions states should take now to qualify for the HITECH Act.
“States already have taken the lead in modernizing the healthcare system by advancing the use of health IT, electronic health records, e-prescribing and electronic exchange of health information,” said Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas, NGA chairman and co-chairman of the alliance. “We now have an opportunity to accelerate adoption of health IT across the states and create a truly comprehensive healthcare system that is effective, affordable and accountable.”
The alliance is supported by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
