HD15 - Report on Programs and Incentives to Encourage E-Prescribing by Medicaid Providers - December 1, 2009


Executive Summary:
House Bill 2453 (HB 2453) of the 2009 General Assembly Session requires that the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) develop a plan for programs and incentives to encourage Medicaid providers in the Commonwealth to adopt and utilize electronic prescribing (e-prescribing). HB 2453 also requires that this plan of programs and incentives consider the advantages of electronic prescribing in improved patient safety, as well as the efficiencies and cost savings that may be recognized by the Commonwealth in encouraging the adoption of electronic prescribing. Attachment A provides a copy of HB 2453.

This report responds to the requirements outlined in HB 2453. Specifically, this report describes: (1) background information on e-prescribing; (2) the activities DMAS is involved in to promote the use of e-prescribing; and (3) the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Health Information Technology (HIT) funds. The report concludes with a summary of DMAS’ next steps.