Digital Government

Health data breach notification rule starts Sept. 23

A new Health and Human Services Department rule that requires health care organizations to notify patients when their data is disclosed without authorization goes into effect Sept. 23.

Digital Government

Electronic health records open patient privacy questions

An HHS advisory committee that will set rules for privacy of patients' health records considers consent rules.

Digital Government

Health IT panel approves intermediaries for data

Health and Human Services Department's Health IT Standards Committee has adopted a framework for the flow of patient data to be collected and aggregated to measure the quality of care.

Digital Government

Commission to start preliminary certifications for EHRs

A group that certifies electronic health records will give health care providers a head start on getting incentive payments under the economic stimulus law.

Digital Government

Patient safety data formats get update

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has updated the data formats for its program for providers to electronically submit data on patient safety.

People

HHS strikes out on search for new telehealth center

HHS says it hasn't gotten any applications to run a national telehealth center.

Modernization

CDC starts Web discussions on swine flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sponsoring a Web-based discussion starting today to gauge public opinion on swine flu vaccinations.

People

How state CIOs can help with health IT

State CIOs can play a critical role in deployment of health IT, according to a new report.

People

HHS to industry: Help assess health IT networks

HHS has asked industry to help conduct a nationwide analysis of health information exchange infrastructures.

Digital Government

Panel backs phased-in standards for electronic records

A federal advisory group today endorsed the idea that standards for electronic health records should grow more detailed over time.

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.

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

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.