WASHINGTON, DC. (November 18, 2005) - The National Business Group on Health applauds the Senate´s unanimous passage of the Wired for Health Care Quality Act early today. The Business Group, which represents over 240 large employers dedicated to solving the health care cost and quality crisis in the US, fully supports the bill. The Business Group urges the House to pass comprehensive health information technology legislation this year. The bill would move the nation a step closer towards a 21st century health information infrastructure that will provide a safer, higher-quality, more affordable health care system.
The bill, passed in the Senate today, facilitates the development and implementation of health information technology, and provides for the measurement and reporting of information on the quality and efficiency of care. To protect patient privacy, the measure would clarify that current health privacy rules apply to any health information stored or transmitted electronically.
In applauding passage of the legislation in the Senate, Helen Darling, President of the National Business Group on Health said, "This bill is an excellent step towards the creation of a nationwide, state-of-the-art, secure, interoperable health information structure. The use of electronic medical records will give providers detailed medical histories of patients in real time at the point of care, and promote evidence-based medicine. This investment in the future of U.S. healthcare will ensure that all Americans receive safe, high quality, and affordable healthcare."
"This is a top priority policy issue for the Business Group and all employers. This action is long overdue." said Steven Wojcik, Vice President, Public Policy, of the Business Group.
About the National Business Group on Health
The National Business Group on Health, representing 240 large employers, is the nation´s only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to large employers´ most important health care and related benefits issues. The Business Group identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. Business Group members, primarily Fortune 500 and large public sector employers, provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families.
Source: HRmarketer.com