RD308 - Executive Order 55 - Final Report Governor’s Health Information Technology Council - October 15, 2008
Executive Summary: This report was replaced in its entirety by the Health Information Technology Council on November 4, 2008. Continuously improving the quality and cost effectiveness of health care is one of the most significant public policy questions facing government. It has been widely acknowledged that information technology (IT) has shown great promise in improving patient outcomes, promoting cost effectiveness, and enhancing patient involvement. Executive Directive 6 was issued Governor Warner in 2005 to establish a 15 member work group to develop a clear picture of where Virginia currently is on health information technology deployment and to offer recommendations on where Virginia should go in the future. During 2006, this group identified specific ways to “close the gap” between where Virginia is on health IT and where it wants to be. In 2006, Governor Kaine issued Executive Order 29 to continue the work of the Health Information Technology Council. Under the leadership of Aneesh Chopra, Secretary of Technology and Marilyn Tavenner, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, the best and the brightest minds in the field of healthcare transformation and IT were brought together to further the mission of improving the cost and quality of care delivery in the Commonwealth. The Council undertook grant initiatives designed to provide public monies to private entities advancing the cause of health IT utilization. Executive Order 55 was issued in 2007 to extend the work of the Council in this endeavor. Three “Innovation Motivator” organizations were chosen for grant awards based on their proposed health IT projects as well as their tenure and respect in the marketplace. During the second cycle of awards, two “Pioneer in the Community” organizations were chosen based on their emerging contribution to the health of their communities and their leadership position within their marketplace. During the past two years, intense planning, policy and program development has been undertaken by the Council and its grantee partners. The projects funded by the Council, as described within this reports, and other health IT projects supported by the Council, will provide benefits not just to their own respective communities but to the Commonwealth as a whole. However, the ultimate impact of the Council cannot be measured by the successes of these five projects alone. An enormous amount of progress has been made on other fronts, leveraging the Council’s work as a catalyst for engagement. Virginia is now widely recognized as a leader in the field of health IT. Organization: MedVirginia State Funds: $250,000 Federal Funds: $4.47M Organization: CareSpark State Funds: $250,000 Federal Funds: $4.15M Organization: Community Care Network of Virginia State Funds: $250,000 Federal Funds: $1.95M Organization: NOVARHIO State Funds: $150,000 Federal Funds: $0.30M Organization: Centra Health State Funds: $150,000 Federal Funds: $0.25M The Commonwealth achieved 10-1 leverage on a $1.1 Million investment! Virginia is the only state with two participants (MedVirginia and CareSpark) in the Nationwide Health Information Network Trial Implementation. These two organizations very successfully demonstrated interoperability to a national audience at the September 24, 2008 meeting of the American Health Information Community. In addition, Virginia was one of only twelve communities in the United States selected for participation in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Records Demonstration. CMS is providing up to $30M in funding to support physician electronic health record adoption. Virginia also has strong representation on national standards development workgroups such as the Health Information Security and Privacy Collaborative. Also, the Commonwealth has been designated as a Chartered Value Exchange (CVE). The CVEs represent one of several initiatives undertaken by Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement a vision for health care reform built on four cornerstones including adopting interoperable health information technology. All of these activities serve as a springboard for the strategic advancement of health information technology in the future. In summary, the Commonwealth of Virginia has the resources, partnerships, infrastructure and vision to continue the drive toward enhanced quality, safety, and efficiency through the use of health IT. We must continue to engage the best and the brightest to lead health IT innovation. We must also continue to put forth strong public policy that continues to support the growing health IT infrastructure in the Commonwealth. Much work remains, but the past two years provide both the confidence and encouragement to press ahead. Recommendations The Governor’s Health IT Council believes that their role as a convener of healthcare stakeholders from across the Commonwealth is a vital benefit to all involved and should be continued. Executive Order 55 lapsed at the end of June 2008, however members of the Council will continue to be involved in a voluntary advisory capacity. The Council also believes it should continue to foster innovative and collaborative projects in the Commonwealth despite having used all the available grant funding. The Council will continue to meet and monitor Health IT activities in the Commonwealth and act as a partner and broker to advance the exciting and varied opportunities being pursued in Virginia. |
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