An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
dissemination of health information technology.
Federal
Family Health Information Act of 2006 (H.R. 4859)
To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to
provide for the implementation of a system of electronic health records
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Health
Care Access and Rural Equity Act (H-CARE) of 2006 (H.R. 6030)
The implementation of this bill would help rural health care providers
address the unique challenges associated with delivering quality health
care close to home. The bill would include authorizing health
information technology grants for rural practitioners.
Health
Information Technolgy Promotion Act (H.R. 4157)
This legislation contains provisions that codify the Office of the
National Coordinator for HIT I statute and delineates its roles and
responsibilities;
*Offer statutory safe harbors in physician self-referral ("Stark" laws)
and anti-kickback laws that allow hospitals, group practices, and other
entities to provide physicians with hardware, software, or information
technology training and support services that are used primarily for the
electronic exchange of clinical health information;
*Call for the development of a strategic plan for the coordination of
HIT and the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
*This bill has been passed in the House.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (H.R. 5559)
To improve the exchange of health information by encouraging the
creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records in
independent health record banks, by using such records to build a
nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and by
promoting participation in health information exchanges by consumers
through tax incentives.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (S. 3454)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
improve the exchange of healthcare information through the use of
technology, to encourage the creation, use and maintenance of lifetime
electronic health records that may contain health plan and debit card
functionality in independent health record banks, to use such records to
build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and to
promote participation in health information exchange by consumers
through tax incentives and for other purposes.
Medicare
Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 1909)
A bill to improve the provision of telehealth services
under the Medicare Program, to provide grants for the development of
telehealth networks, and for other purposes.
Wired for
Health Care Quality Act (S. 1418)
To enhance the adoption of a nationwide inter operable
health information technology system and to improve the quality and
reduce the costs of health care in the United States.
FCC
Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order
that establishes a pilot program to help public and non-profit health
care providers build state and region wide broadband networks dedicated
to the provision of health care services.
Rural
Health Network Development Grant Program
To support the development of rural health networks, whose
purpose is to increase access to care by overcoming the fragmentation
and vulnerability of providers in rural areas. Grant funds are used to
support activities that strenghten capabilities of these networks.
Deadline is October 15, 2007
USDA
Announces Nearly $153 Million For Distance Learning and
Telemedicine in Rural Communities
USDA is making available $62.9 million in distance
learning and telemedicine loans, $75 million in loan and grant
combinations, and $15 million in grants. Application deadline is June
11, 2007.
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
dissemination of health information technology.
Federal
Family Health Information Act of 2006 (H.R. 4859)
To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to
provide for the implementation of a system of electronic health records
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Health
Care Access and Rural Equity Act (H-CARE) of 2006 (H.R. 6030)
The implementation of this bill would help rural health care providers
address the unique challenges associated with delivering quality health
care close to home. The bill would include authorizing health
information technology grants for rural practitioners.
Health
Information Technolgy Promotion Act (H.R. 4157)
This legislation contains provisions that codify the Office of the
National Coordinator for HIT I statute and delineates its roles and
responsibilities;
*Offer statutory safe harbors in physician self-referral ("Stark" laws)
and anti-kickback laws that allow hospitals, group practices, and other
entities to provide physicians with hardware, software, or information
technology training and support services that are used primarily for the
electronic exchange of clinical health information;
*Call for the development of a strategic plan for the coordination of
HIT and the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
*This bill has been passed in the House.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (H.R. 5559)
To improve the exchange of health information by encouraging the
creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records in
independent health record banks, by using such records to build a
nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and by
promoting participation in health information exchanges by consumers
through tax incentives.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (S. 3454)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
improve the exchange of healthcare information through the use of
technology, to encourage the creation, use and maintenance of lifetime
electronic health records that may contain health plan and debit card
functionality in independent health record banks, to use such records to
build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and to
promote participation in health information exchange by consumers
through tax incentives and for other purposes.
Medicare
Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 1909)
A bill to improve the provision of telehealth services
under the Medicare Program, to provide grants for the development of
telehealth networks, and for other purposes.
Wired for
Health Care Quality Act (S. 1418)
To enhance the adoption of a nationwide inter operable
health information technology system and to improve the quality and
reduce the costs of health care in the United States.
FCC
Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order
that establishes a pilot program to help public and non-profit health
care providers build state and region wide broadband networks dedicated
to the provision of health care services.
Rural
Health Network Development Grant Program
To support the development of rural health networks, whose
purpose is to increase access to care by overcoming the fragmentation
and vulnerability of providers in rural areas. Grant funds are used to
support activities that strenghten capabilities of these networks.
Deadline is October 15, 2007
USDA
Announces Nearly $153 Million For Distance Learning and
Telemedicine in Rural Communities
USDA is making available $62.9 million in distance
learning and telemedicine loans, $75 million in loan and grant
combinations, and $15 million in grants. Application deadline is June
11, 2007.
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting Communities Toolkit [an error occurred while processing this directive] Health Information Technology [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
dissemination of health information technology.
Federal
Family Health Information Act of 2006 (H.R. 4859)
To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to
provide for the implementation of a system of electronic health records
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Health
Care Access and Rural Equity Act (H-CARE) of 2006 (H.R. 6030)
The implementation of this bill would help rural health care providers
address the unique challenges associated with delivering quality health
care close to home. The bill would include authorizing health
information technology grants for rural practitioners.
Health
Information Technolgy Promotion Act (H.R. 4157)
This legislation contains provisions that codify the Office of the
National Coordinator for HIT I statute and delineates its roles and
responsibilities;
*Offer statutory safe harbors in physician self-referral ("Stark" laws)
and anti-kickback laws that allow hospitals, group practices, and other
entities to provide physicians with hardware, software, or information
technology training and support services that are used primarily for the
electronic exchange of clinical health information;
*Call for the development of a strategic plan for the coordination of
HIT and the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
*This bill has been passed in the House.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (H.R. 5559)
To improve the exchange of health information by encouraging the
creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records in
independent health record banks, by using such records to build a
nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and by
promoting participation in health information exchanges by consumers
through tax incentives.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (S. 3454)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
improve the exchange of healthcare information through the use of
technology, to encourage the creation, use and maintenance of lifetime
electronic health records that may contain health plan and debit card
functionality in independent health record banks, to use such records to
build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and to
promote participation in health information exchange by consumers
through tax incentives and for other purposes.
Medicare
Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 1909)
A bill to improve the provision of telehealth services
under the Medicare Program, to provide grants for the development of
telehealth networks, and for other purposes.
Wired for
Health Care Quality Act (S. 1418)
To enhance the adoption of a nationwide inter operable
health information technology system and to improve the quality and
reduce the costs of health care in the United States.
FCC
Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order
that establishes a pilot program to help public and non-profit health
care providers build state and region wide broadband networks dedicated
to the provision of health care services.
Rural
Health Network Development Grant Program
To support the development of rural health networks, whose
purpose is to increase access to care by overcoming the fragmentation
and vulnerability of providers in rural areas. Grant funds are used to
support activities that strenghten capabilities of these networks.
Deadline is October 15, 2007
USDA
Announces Nearly $153 Million For Distance Learning and
Telemedicine in Rural Communities
USDA is making available $62.9 million in distance
learning and telemedicine loans, $75 million in loan and grant
combinations, and $15 million in grants. Application deadline is June
11, 2007.
State Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to Key Issues, Options and Strategies [an error occurred while processing this directive] Health Information Technology [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
dissemination of health information technology.
Federal
Family Health Information Act of 2006 (H.R. 4859)
To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to
provide for the implementation of a system of electronic health records
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Health
Care Access and Rural Equity Act (H-CARE) of 2006 (H.R. 6030)
The implementation of this bill would help rural health care providers
address the unique challenges associated with delivering quality health
care close to home. The bill would include authorizing health
information technology grants for rural practitioners.
Health
Information Technolgy Promotion Act (H.R. 4157)
This legislation contains provisions that codify the Office of the
National Coordinator for HIT I statute and delineates its roles and
responsibilities;
*Offer statutory safe harbors in physician self-referral ("Stark" laws)
and anti-kickback laws that allow hospitals, group practices, and other
entities to provide physicians with hardware, software, or information
technology training and support services that are used primarily for the
electronic exchange of clinical health information;
*Call for the development of a strategic plan for the coordination of
HIT and the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
*This bill has been passed in the House.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (H.R. 5559)
To improve the exchange of health information by encouraging the
creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records in
independent health record banks, by using such records to build a
nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and by
promoting participation in health information exchanges by consumers
through tax incentives.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (S. 3454)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
improve the exchange of healthcare information through the use of
technology, to encourage the creation, use and maintenance of lifetime
electronic health records that may contain health plan and debit card
functionality in independent health record banks, to use such records to
build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and to
promote participation in health information exchange by consumers
through tax incentives and for other purposes.
Medicare
Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 1909)
A bill to improve the provision of telehealth services
under the Medicare Program, to provide grants for the development of
telehealth networks, and for other purposes.
Wired for
Health Care Quality Act (S. 1418)
To enhance the adoption of a nationwide inter operable
health information technology system and to improve the quality and
reduce the costs of health care in the United States.
FCC
Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order
that establishes a pilot program to help public and non-profit health
care providers build state and region wide broadband networks dedicated
to the provision of health care services.
Rural
Health Network Development Grant Program
To support the development of rural health networks, whose
purpose is to increase access to care by overcoming the fragmentation
and vulnerability of providers in rural areas. Grant funds are used to
support activities that strenghten capabilities of these networks.
Deadline is October 15, 2007
USDA
Announces Nearly $153 Million For Distance Learning and
Telemedicine in Rural Communities
USDA is making available $62.9 million in distance
learning and telemedicine loans, $75 million in loan and grant
combinations, and $15 million in grants. Application deadline is June
11, 2007.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final Report: Extention Tasks [an error occurred while processing this directive] Health Information Technology [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
dissemination of health information technology.
Federal
Family Health Information Act of 2006 (H.R. 4859)
To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to
provide for the implementation of a system of electronic health records
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Health
Care Access and Rural Equity Act (H-CARE) of 2006 (H.R. 6030)
The implementation of this bill would help rural health care providers
address the unique challenges associated with delivering quality health
care close to home. The bill would include authorizing health
information technology grants for rural practitioners.
Health
Information Technolgy Promotion Act (H.R. 4157)
This legislation contains provisions that codify the Office of the
National Coordinator for HIT I statute and delineates its roles and
responsibilities;
*Offer statutory safe harbors in physician self-referral ("Stark" laws)
and anti-kickback laws that allow hospitals, group practices, and other
entities to provide physicians with hardware, software, or information
technology training and support services that are used primarily for the
electronic exchange of clinical health information;
*Call for the development of a strategic plan for the coordination of
HIT and the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
*This bill has been passed in the House.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (H.R. 5559)
To improve the exchange of health information by encouraging the
creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records in
independent health record banks, by using such records to build a
nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and by
promoting participation in health information exchanges by consumers
through tax incentives.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (S. 3454)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
improve the exchange of healthcare information through the use of
technology, to encourage the creation, use and maintenance of lifetime
electronic health records that may contain health plan and debit card
functionality in independent health record banks, to use such records to
build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and to
promote participation in health information exchange by consumers
through tax incentives and for other purposes.
Medicare
Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 1909)
A bill to improve the provision of telehealth services
under the Medicare Program, to provide grants for the development of
telehealth networks, and for other purposes.
Wired for
Health Care Quality Act (S. 1418)
To enhance the adoption of a nationwide inter operable
health information technology system and to improve the quality and
reduce the costs of health care in the United States.
FCC
Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order
that establishes a pilot program to help public and non-profit health
care providers build state and region wide broadband networks dedicated
to the provision of health care services.
Rural
Health Network Development Grant Program
To support the development of rural health networks, whose
purpose is to increase access to care by overcoming the fragmentation
and vulnerability of providers in rural areas. Grant funds are used to
support activities that strenghten capabilities of these networks.
Deadline is October 15, 2007
USDA
Announces Nearly $153 Million For Distance Learning and
Telemedicine in Rural Communities
USDA is making available $62.9 million in distance
learning and telemedicine loans, $75 million in loan and grant
combinations, and $15 million in grants. Application deadline is June
11, 2007.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology [an error occurred while processing this directive] Health Information Technology [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
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GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
dissemination of health information technology.
Federal
Family Health Information Act of 2006 (H.R. 4859)
To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to
provide for the implementation of a system of electronic health records
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Health
Care Access and Rural Equity Act (H-CARE) of 2006 (H.R. 6030)
The implementation of this bill would help rural health care providers
address the unique challenges associated with delivering quality health
care close to home. The bill would include authorizing health
information technology grants for rural practitioners.
Health
Information Technolgy Promotion Act (H.R. 4157)
This legislation contains provisions that codify the Office of the
National Coordinator for HIT I statute and delineates its roles and
responsibilities;
*Offer statutory safe harbors in physician self-referral ("Stark" laws)
and anti-kickback laws that allow hospitals, group practices, and other
entities to provide physicians with hardware, software, or information
technology training and support services that are used primarily for the
electronic exchange of clinical health information;
*Call for the development of a strategic plan for the coordination of
HIT and the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
*This bill has been passed in the House.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (H.R. 5559)
To improve the exchange of health information by encouraging the
creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records in
independent health record banks, by using such records to build a
nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and by
promoting participation in health information exchanges by consumers
through tax incentives.
Independent
Health Record Bank Act of 2006 (S. 3454)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
improve the exchange of healthcare information through the use of
technology, to encourage the creation, use and maintenance of lifetime
electronic health records that may contain health plan and debit card
functionality in independent health record banks, to use such records to
build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, and to
promote participation in health information exchange by consumers
through tax incentives and for other purposes.
Medicare
Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2005 (S. 1909)
A bill to improve the provision of telehealth services
under the Medicare Program, to provide grants for the development of
telehealth networks, and for other purposes.
Wired for
Health Care Quality Act (S. 1418)
To enhance the adoption of a nationwide inter operable
health information technology system and to improve the quality and
reduce the costs of health care in the United States.
FCC
Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
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The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order
that establishes a pilot program to help public and non-profit health
care providers build state and region wide broadband networks dedicated
to the provision of health care services.
Rural
Health Network Development Grant Program
To support the development of rural health networks, whose
purpose is to increase access to care by overcoming the fragmentation
and vulnerability of providers in rural areas. Grant funds are used to
support activities that strenghten capabilities of these networks.
Deadline is October 15, 2007
USDA
Announces Nearly $153 Million For Distance Learning and
Telemedicine in Rural Communities
USDA is making available $62.9 million in distance
learning and telemedicine loans, $75 million in loan and grant
combinations, and $15 million in grants. Application deadline is June
11, 2007.
GAO Report: HHS Should Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and Submit Data [an error occurred while processing this directive] Health Information Technology [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Health Information Technology (HIT) gives rural hospitals the ability to store, transfer, and retrieve patient information electronically. This is an important component to our health care system because it promotes health information sharing between providers that in turn may help to reduce or avoid medical errors.
AHRQ
Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance for conducting
organization-level assessments of business practices, policies, and
State laws that govern the privacy and security of health information
exchange (HIE). The toolkit was developed as part of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) joint-funded Health
Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) project.
DOQ-IT e-Learning Tool
DOQ-IT U is an interactive, Web-based tool designed to
provide solo and small-to-medium sized physician practices with the
education for successful HIT adoption, including lessons on culture
change, vendor selection and operational redesign, along with clinical
processes. The system is available at no charge.
eHealth Initiative Connecting
Communities Toolkit
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The Toolkit is a distillation of the knowledge that the eHealth
Initiative has accumulated through its work with multiple stakeholders
and different communities. Stakeholders and leading experts have
provided significant input into a set of common principles and guides in
seven Toolkit modules, each including easily accessible online documents
and tools.
State
Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook: A Guide to
Key Issues, Options and Strategies
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The role and development of state level HIE initiative are the focus of
this workbook, designed as a practical tool to help those involved in
developing and managing a state-leve HIT initiative. It provides
guidance on some of the issues, options and strategies to consider when
developing a state-level HIE initiative.
AHRQ: New profile of an integrated health system using e-prescribing to improve patient safety and ambulatory provider workflow
The Everett Clinic is a community-based, physician-owned
integrated health system in the north Puget Sound area. With 16
locations, 250 physicians in 40 diverse specialties, and 1,300 staff
members, the Everett Clinic serves about 225,000 patients, who make
approximately 700,000 visits per year.
AHRQ State and Regional Demonstration Projects
Six States have been awarded 5-year contracts under the
State and Regional Demonstrations in Health Information Technology
(AHRQ-04-0015) funding opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ). Five States -- Colorado, Indiana, Rhode
Island, Tennessee and Utah -- started their contracts in October 2004
with one State, Delaware, beginning in October 2005.
AHRQ's Cost and Benefits
of Health Information Technology
An evidence-based report prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the benefits and costs of health
information technology systems in various healthcare settings.
Current Status
of HIT use in CAHs
Report examining the outcomes of a CAH health information technology
survey. Findings suggest that the adoption of HIT for CAHs is a
priority and currently CAH use rates for several technologies is lower
than overall rates of hospitals reported by the AHA. See results and
specifics in the report.
Development of State Level Health Information Exchange Initiatives Final
Report: Extention Tasks
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This report explores the potential roles of and
interactions between state level RHIOs and federal activities for health
care and information technology. It also identifies the health
information exchange projects that have achieved financial stability.
Directory
of Federal HIT Programs
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has been
given the responsibility for coordinating HIT efforts throughout the
federal government. As part of the outreach effort, the programs,
projects, and policies that involve HIT are being compiled.
Emerging Lessons from the HIT Field
With the support of AHRQ's National Resource Center for Health
Information Technology, these HIT projects are overcoming key hurdles.
AHRQ grantees' collective experience offers an important learning
opportunity for other health IT implementations across the country.
Establishing a Foundation for Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology
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This report summarizes AHRQ's findings of their project to
clarify key issues and challenges of Medicaid's participation in HIT and
HIE efforts. This report also focuses on opportunities for State
Medicaid agencies and researchers to leverage the potential of HIT and
HIE to control costs and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
recipients.
GAO Report: HHS Should
Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and
Submit Data
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to
examine (1) hospital processes to collect and submit quality data, (2)
the extent to which IT facilitates hospitals’ collection and submission
of quality data, and (3) whether CMS has taken steps to promote the use
of IT systems to facilitate the collection and submission of hospital
quality data.
Health Information
Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed
for National Strategy
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
GAO recommends that HHS define and implement an overall
privacy approach that identifies milestones for integrating the outcomes
of its initiatives, assures that key privacy principles are fully
addressed, and addresses challenges that are associated with the
nationwide exchange of health information.
Health Information
Technology: HHS is Continuing Efforts to Define a National Strategy
The assessment of progress being made by the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) since 2005 to develop a national HIT strategy and
an overview of selected federal agencies HIT initiatives related to the
national HIT strategy.
Health IT in Small and Rural Communities
Increasing the adoption of health information technology
(health IT) in hospitals and physician practices is a major focus for
the current Administration and Congress. Despite progress in the last
few years, adoption rates remain low, particularly in small and rural
communities.
HIT Issues and Opportunities
A presentation given by Tami Lichtenberg, TASC Program Manager, on the
issues and opportunities facing rural providers trying to implement
health information technology into their facilities.
Office of the National Coordinator for
HIT
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of
an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve
the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers
to manage their care and safety.
Recommended
Requirements for Enhancing Data Quality in Electronic Health Record
Systems
The primary purpose of this project is to identify requirements
for EHRs that can help enhance data protections, such as increased data
validity, accuracy, and integrity including appropriate fraud management.
Results of AHRQ and CMS-funded electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) pilot projects now available
In 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) awarded grants to five pilot sites to test electronic prescribing
(e-prescribing) standards. The testing focused on the interoperability
of these standards with one another, their ability to delivery messages
accurately and unambiguously, and their downstream effect on healthcare
outcomes such as medical errors and clinical efficiency.
Using IT to Improve Patient Safety in Small, Rural Hospitals
In rural West Virginia, a patient safety project supported by AHRQ is
proving that, with the right kind of assistance, all hospitals -
regardless of their size or resources, can use state-of-the-art IT to
vastly improve attention to patient care.
Better Health
Care Through Information Technology Act (S. 1355)
To enhance the adoption of health information technology
and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare in the
United States.
Critical
Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2005 (S. 1952)
A bill to provide grants for rural health information
technology development activities.
Electronic
Health Information Technology Act of 2006 (H.R. 4832)
To amend the Social Security Act to establish an Office of
Health Information Technology for the purpose of creating a national
interoperable health information infrastructure, to provide loans to
health care entities seeking to implement such infrastructure, and to
provide exceptions to certain health anti-kickback laws to encourage the
di