U.S., Europe to Align e-Records

U.S. and European officials have agreed to develop common standards for electronic health records and for health IT training programs, a move that is expected to boost health IT markets on both sides of the Atlantic.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Neelie Kroes, vice president of the European Commission, signed a memorandum of understanding last Friday, according to an online report in Computing UK.

The U.S. and EU will establish joint working groups to identify strategies, according to the report. HHS and EU health officials also will organize workshops and scientific conferences, among other initiatives, to exchange information, delegations and health IT specialists.

The memorandum also calls for a more competent and mobile health IT workforce, reports Healthcare IT News.

HHS did not respond to requests for comment.