HIMSS News

Maine Awarded Federal Funding to Connect Mental Health Providers to State HIE

2/10/2012 - The State of Maine and HealthInfoNet, the state’s health information exchange, have received a $600,000 contract from the Center for Integrated Health Solutions, which is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).

Governor Declares Maryland HIT Advocacy Day

2/10/2012 - In recognition of the Maryland HIMSS Chapter’s health IT advocacy day in Annapolis, MD, Governor Martin O’Malley proclaimed “February 7, 2012 as HIMSS ADVOCACY DAY in Maryland, and do commend this observance to all of our citizens.” 

Administration and Healthcare Law Opponents Agree on One Thing

2/10/2012 - As the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in the lawsuit brought by 26 state attorneys general and other opponents against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), an added issue of the Anti-Injunction Act has been raised.

House Hearing Looks at Physician Incentives For Improved Patient Care

2/10/2012 - On Tuesday, February 7, the Health Subcommittee from the Committee on Ways and Means conducted a hearing regarding “Programs that Reward Physicians Who Deliver High Quality and Efficient Care,” focusing on “on innovative quality and efficiency recognition and reward programs developed by physicians and private payers.” 

Senate HELP Committee Addresses Accessible Technology

2/10/2012 - On Tuesday, February 7th, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a full committee hearing on the “The Promise of Accessible Technology: Challenges and Opportunities.” 

Legislation Introduced To Facilitate Medical Device Approval

2/10/2012 - Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John McCain (R-AZ) have introduced the “Safe, Efficient, and Transparent Medical Device Approval Act” (SET Device Act, S 2067) to streamline the pathway for manufacturers to obtain FDA pre-market approval of medical devices. 

New IOM Panel Will Focus on Telehealth

2/10/2012 - The Institute of Medicine has announced a new “Workshop on the Role of Telehealth in an Evolving Health Care Environment.”

Annual Military Health System Conference Draws on Experience; Focuses on Future of Military Medicine

2/10/2012 - The Department of Defense Military Health System conducted its annual conference last week in Washington, DC. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Dr. Jonathan Woodson, articulated key messages to consider in order to become an organization that: