In This Race, Bet On The Terp To Win

Each day brings fresh evidence that the transition from paper medical files to electronic medical records has reached a tipping point.

Earlier this week, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley convened a meeting of policy and industry leaders to consider the future of health IT and to outline a plan for moving "Maryland forward in the areas of health care reform and innovation."

Translation: With unemployment stubbornly high and traditional industries such as crabbing not likely to rebound anytime soon, the governor sees in health IT a golden business opportunity. He is positioning Maryland to benefit from what increasingly looks like a fast-growing sector that will produce well-paid jobs for decades to come.

CivSource reports that Maryland is one of three states with a State Health IT Plan that has been approved by the Health and Human Services Department's National Coordinator for Health Information Technology - a designation which grants Maryland eligibility for federal heath IT funding and paves the way for the development of their health information exchange. The state plan will be expanded through the governor's health IT agenda in order to maximize the potential for federal funding, job creation and economic development.

O'Malley outlined a three-part plan for strengthening Maryland's health IT sector:

1. Creating a statewide network of health information, including the establishment of a safe, secure method for the exchange of health information, putting the interests of patients first.

2. Encouraging the adoption of electronic health records, including developing incentives for providers, engaging public schools, and working with Maryland's business community to take advantage of Health IT opportunities.

3. Maximizing federal funding, including investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and federal health care reform.

Visit the governor's web site to see details of the plan.