AARP Urges Governor to Sign Health Information Technology Bill

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May 04, 2010, 12:58 ET

Legislation would Help Reduce Medical Errors, Improve Quality of Care for all Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation that will help modernize medical records, reduce errors, and improve quality of care for all Illinoisans passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and is on its way to the Governor's desk. AARP, which backed the measure, is urging Gov. Quinn to sign it into law.

House Bill 6441 was sponsored by State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston). The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support on March 26, and the Senate unanimously on April 29th. The bill, once enacted, will create a Health Information Exchange whose goal will be to help reduce health disparities, reduce medical errors and duplicative tests, enhance care coordination, and help to control health care costs.

"Electronic health records are a key component of modernizing our health care system and ensuring better care for all," said AARP Illinois Senior Manager for Advocacy, Nancy Nelson. "We commend Representative Hamos for her leadership, and the General Assembly for their action, and we now urge Governor Quinn to enact this legislation."

The Health Information Exchange (HIE) will allow health care providers to use electronic health records in a private and secure environment. HIE gives clinicians and doctors access to more comprehensive medical information when diagnosing and treating patients, which would result in better care and quality outcomes. The Illinois Health Information Exchange and Technology Act will also lead to the development of a State body tasked with facilitating the secure exchange of electronic health records.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act established HIE as a national priority and Illinois was awarded an $18.8 million grant for the development of a state HIE. The Illinois Office of Health Information Technology is the state entity that will be responsible for coordinating Illinois' HIE efforts.

SOURCE AARP Illinois