Digital Government

Personal health records rule cracks down on vendors

The FTC published a final rule that will require vendors of personal health records to notify consumers if their security has been breached.

Digital Government

HHS could create health IT incentives for specialists

HHS may need to develop special health information technology incentives for medical specialists under the economic stimulus law, an advisory group says.

People

HHS walks a tightrope on health information exchange, advisory group says

HHS is walking a tightrope in trying to craft the right balance for health information exchanges, according to a federal advisory group's report.

Digital Government

Health IT panel endorses preliminary certification procedure

A federal advisory committee today endorsed the idea of setting up a new temporary procedure for certifying electronic health records.

Acquisition

NIH emphasizes health IT in its new $20 billion contract

National Institutes of Health officials expect to award the 10-year, $20 billion Chief Information Officer—Solutions and Partners 3 contract in early 2010.

People

Doctors need reasons to join health exchanges: HHS official

A senior HHS official says doctors need to get a positive return on investment from health data exchange.

People

States urged to start now on health exchanges

The State Alliance for e-Health released guidance for helping state governments plan for health information exchanges.

Modernization

Rising Star Vanessa Leigh Manchester

Manchester coordinated the efforts of more than 20 federal agencies as they link their existing health IT systems to the emerging Nationwide Health Information Network via the Connect gateway.

Modernization

Rising Star John Araujo

Araujo provided IT analysis and support for CDC’s public health initiatives. An expert in public health informatics, he supports both the Office of the Chief Science Officer and the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Modernization

Rising Star Kristine Beck

Beck harnessed Web 2.0 technology to open new lines of communication with — and among — Military Health System patients and their families. Senior MHS leaders now blog regularly and respond to comments and e-mail messages on the agency’s Web site, www.health.mil.

People

Rising Star Harold Schliesske

Schliesske stepped into a variety of roles to support the deployment and management of biometric systems in Iraq and other tactical environments. He updated systems at 10 installations in Iraq, and the reduced demand for staff and equipment is expected to save $700,000 a year.

People

Rising Star Louis Carrion

Carrion fielded the Army’s Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care program to all 13 Air Force facilities throughout the war zone in Iraq. He coordinated the network installation command infrastructure, trained providers on MC4 best practices and cleared any hurdles to deployment.

People

Rising Star Steven Posnack

Posnack played a wide range of roles behind the scenes — drafting policies and guidelines, advising top officials on privacy and security matters, and coordinating work with health IT stakeholders across the country.

Digital Government

Araujo prescribes technology to improve CDC's outcomes

Rising Star John Araujo is in a unique and cross-disciplinary niche as he advances the role of IT at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People

Dr. Blumenthal: NHIN architecture a 'work in progress'

Dr. David Blumenthal, HHS' Naitonal Coordinator for Health IT, gives an exclusive interview to FCW on NHIN, health IT and health care reform.

People

Is the nation's health network healthy?

Although Congress is pumping billions of dollars into development of health IT, the nation's health information-sharing infrastructure is not yet ready for prime time. Some say it needs a total overhaul, while others argue for pressing on.

People

CIO: CDC preparing for contract worth up to $2 billion

The CDC's CIO outlines plans for the agency's largest IT contract, which is also the first Multiple Award Contract.

People

SSA to award contracts for NHIN links

The SSA is on track to award $24 million in contracts to help health care providers link to the Nationwide Health Information Network.

People

Health IT exec Todd Park chosen HHS' CTO

The White House has named Todd Park of Athenahealth as CTO of the Health and Human Services Department.

People

GAO: VA, DOD said slow on sharing health data

The Veterans Affairs and Defense departments have made progress on health care data interoperability but still fall short in some areas, a new report says.