[Source: Health and Life Science Law Daily, October 8, 2007]
Modern Healthcare (10/6, DerGurahian) reported that the HHS awarded nine grants totaling $22.5 million to health information exchanges "to test implementation of a nationwide health information network, officials announced." Specifically, the grants will be used to test the Nationwide Health Information Network, or NHIN, "a trial network, involving patients, providers and other healthcare stakeholders in exchanging information through the use of electronic health records. Officials stressed that the data will remain private and secure. The organizations represent both statewide and regional information exchanges."
Healthcare IT (10/5, Monegain) added, "The work is intended to move the nation toward President Bush's goal of most Americans having access to secure electronic health records by 2014." HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt said, "Trial implementations of the Nationwide Health Information Network will bring us steps closer to a health IT system that will improve quality of care, increase efficiencies in healthcare, and improve disease prevention." Computer World (10/5) also covered the story.
