HIMSS-2010- Keynote Address by Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health IT

In his keynote address, Dr. David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health IT, gives an overview of the policies and programs of the ONC for Health IT, in compliance with the HITECH, Act, 2009. He mentions the tasks of the policy, standards and certification committees in the various steps towards drafting and finalizing regulations to comply with the HITECH Act for electronic health records (EHR) and in health information exchange. He also mentions about the role of the Privacy and Security Workingroup to deal with privacy and security issues of electronic health information systems dealing with storage and exchange of health information. He also mentions the work being done in setting up a National Health Information Network (NHIN) with prototypes tested by VA Hospital Network and the Kaiser Health Systems. He feels that the HITECH Act and the regulations that are being finalized with take health care to the 21st century using Health Information Technology or Health IT.

Health Information Technology

The HITECH Act of 2009 has focused attention of health care providers and payers and health care entities to the importance of the application of information technology to health care delivery. In the Stimulus Bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009 also known as ARRA) that was passed on February 17, 2009, $22B was allocated for health care investments. Out of this $19.2 Billion is to promote electronic health records (EHR) and their use by physicians and hospitals. What is known as HITECH Act 2009 or Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act is part of ARRA and is specified in Title XIII/Division A, pages 112-165 and Title IV, Division B, pages 353- 398.

HITECH Act, 2009 promotes use of health information technology. The Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC/HIT) that is legally mandated by the HITECH Act, will function under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ONC/HIT will be responsible for HIT policy and standards at the national level. This will include a policy framework for development and adoption of a nationwide health information infrastructure and standards for exchange of patient medical information. ONC will also be responsible for implementation specifications and for developing the certification criteria for electronic exchange and use of health information.

A useful link is Hitech Answers