On May 11th the House Committee on Public Health took up Interim Charge 3: Determine how the state can best coordinate efforts to streamline health care delivery with health information technology (HIT). Identify areas in state law affecting the adoption and use of HIT.
Stephen Palmer, Director, Office of e-Health Coordination, Health and Human Services Commission gave an overview of HIT in Texas. A copy of his presentation can be found by visiting: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/reports/2010/05112010_HousePublicHealth.pdf.
He noted during his presentation that the Medicaid Health Information Exchange (HIE) Advisory Committee held meetings on February 1, 2010 and April 2, 2010. Additionally, a local/regional HIE pilot project will be established by HHSC to determine the feasibility, costs, and benefits of exchanging secure electronic health information between the commission and local or regional HIE initiatives. HHSC has identified 8 local HIE organizations for potential participation.
The new Office of e-Health Coordination is a function of the Office of Health Services, specifically to:
- Coordinate health information policy and information for the HHSEnterprise.
- Ensure a coordinated approach to maximize funding opportunities and leverage resources across the HHS enterprise.
- Focus on big picture functions such as ARRA planning.
Manfred Sternberg, President of the Texas Health Service Authority (THSA) also gave testimony regarding the organization, State HIE cooperative agreement program and funding, HIE strategic and operational plans, the statewide collaborative planning process and a timeline. A copy of the entire presentation can be found by visiting: http://www.thsa.org/media/857/05-11-2010_housepublichealth-thsa_presentation.pdf
