Arizona Gov. Napolitano Signs Executive Order To Facilitate Electronic Health Records

Main Category: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 02 Sep 2005 - 18:00 PDT

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Arizona Gov Janet Napolitano (D) on Tuesday signed an executive order to create a committee to facilitate the adoption of electronic health records in Arizona by 2010, four years earlier than the federal goal, the... Arizona Republic reports. President Bush in 2004 called for the transition to EHRs by 2014, and federal officials estimate the changes could save about 10%, or $140 billion annually, of the health care budget. The Arizona Health-e Connection steering committee, comprising health care and high-tech leaders, will compose a roadmap for health care information technology within the next six months, according to Napolitano's order. In addition, the committee will identify resources to help with technical standards, including possible funding, and recommend patient privacy and security measures, the Republic reports. The roadmap will outline directions and goals for care providers, insurers and consumers. Only two other states have plans for widespread EHRs, and some observers say the state could have an advantage because of its relatively small population, growing health care sector and high number of managed care organizations. Anne Winter, Napolitano's health policy adviser, said Arizona could become a model for other states in encouraging electronic records. Arizona will launch the health IT effort on Oct. 5 (Larson, Arizona Republic, 9/1).

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