Rockefeller introduces health IT bill

Senate Commerce Chairman John (Jay) Rockefeller introduced legislation Thursday that he hopes will facilitate nationwide adoption of electronic health records, particularly among small, rural providers. The bill will build upon the use of so-called "open source" e-health records by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Open source software refers to a computer program with unrestricted source code that does not limit the use or distribution by any organization or user. An open source exchange model was recently expanded among federal agencies through the Nationwide Health Information Network-Connect initiative, according to a Friday press release. The economic stimulus package signed by President Obama earlier this year allotted about $19 billion for health IT.

Rockefeller's measure would create a new panel within the Department of Health and Human Service's Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to direct and oversee formation of this public utility model, its implementation, and operation. It would also implement and administer a new grant program for safety-net providers to cover the full cost of open source software implementation and maintenance for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years if required benchmarks are met. Additionally, the bill would ensure interoperability between programs and create a child-specific e-health record to be used in Medicaid, CHIP, and other federal health programs.

"We need advancements in health information technology across the board to improve the quality of care Americans receive," Rockefeller said in a statement. "To make this happen, we need universal access to affordable and interoperable health information technology - from small, rural health clinics to large, urban hospitals." He added that open source software is a cost-effective, proven way to advance health IT. He noted that his bill does not replace commercial software but rather complements private sector investments by making health IT "a realistic option for all providers."