Governors launch e-Health alliance
The Washington-based National Governors Association has launched its State Alliance for e-Health program that will promote sharing health records electronically. The alliance will be made up of governors, attorney generals, state legislators, insurance commissioners and various experts on health insurance technology (HIT).
HIT allows doctors, hospitals and pharmacies to instantly access a patient’s health records, and the patients also can use it to access more information. “Americans understand the improved quality and reduced cost associated with making health information available to them and those who care for them,” says Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, who co-chairs the alliance with Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas. “In fact, studies show a clear majority of Americans favor personal and physician access to their medical information across a secure electronic network.” Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter will help the alliance find ways to ensure that patients’ privacy is not compromised in the exchange of information.