Twenty-eight states are initiating or are in the process of developing plans for health IT adoption and health information exchange, and an additional seven states have their plans completed, with implementation under way, according to new survey findings from the eHealth Initiative Foundation. About half of the states have an executive order or a legislative mandate in place to stimulate the use of health IT. The most common provisions of legislation establish a task force to study the impact of health IT, or authorize a committee to create a strategy for the development, implementation, and adoption of electronic health records and/or a health information infrastructure. Most executive orders authorize a planning committee to develop a health IT strategy or policy. The survey also found that states vary in their level of involvement, with 38 states participating in a statewide or local dialogue related to health IT and health information exchange, while 21 states are actually convening stakeholders for planning, communication, and coordination; and 17 states are providing funds to support regional and local efforts.
“We are seeing a trend in smaller states with no regional activity, to plan for a statewide exchange initiative,” said Janet Marchibroda, eHI’s CEO. “In larger, more highly populated states that already have regional or community activities in place, the state tends to serve as a coordinating body to drive consensus on standards and policies that promote higher-quality health care through HIT adoption by removing barriers and acting as a central resource for information and education.” The full survey report will be released in September.
