RD166 - Health Information Technology Federal Funding in the Commonwealth


Executive Summary:
Virginia is considered a leader in the advancement of health information technology. Over the previous eight years, the best and the brightest minds in the field of healthcare transformation and information technology (IT) have come together to further the mission of improving the cost and quality of care delivery in the Commonwealth.

Recognizing that Virginia has the resources, partnerships, infrastructure and vision to continue the drive toward enhanced quality, safety, and efficiency through the use of Health IT, the federal government has provided monetary support to these efforts through numerous sources including the Office of National Coordinator (ONC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This report provides summary information on the objectives and progress of projects initiated through these initial funding sources.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), a critical measure to stimulate the economy. Among other provisions, the new law provides opportunities for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), its partner agencies, and the States to improve the nation’s health care through health information technology. The activities are managed through the Office of National Coordinator. These activities include the provision of technical expertise to healthcare providers for the adoption of meaningful electronic health record technology, the provision of a statewide health information exchange to facilitate health information sharing amongst disparate providers, and the provision of incentive payments to certain eligible providers that will be distributed through Medicare and Medicaid enhanced reimbursements.

Other monies available through ARRA appropriations include the National Telecommunications and Information Administration responsibility to develop and maintain a comprehensive nationwide inventory map of broadband service capability and availability. Broadband access is a necessary component for achieving interoperability among providers of patient’s health information.

The CDC has also devoted resources to its State partners for the advancement of Health IT. Included in this area are funds allocated to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services for the development of standardized electronic lab reporting capabilities, and also to the Virginia Department of Health for the development and maintenance of the Virginia Immunization Information System.

The role of the Health Information Technology Advisory Council, as a convener of stakeholders from across the Commonwealth, is vital to continually foster innovative and collaborative Health IT proliferation. With strong executive leadership and strong staff support, Virginia will move forward with this difficult yet essential work for the citizens of the Commonwealth.