Representatives Erik Paulsen from Minnesota and Jim Matheson from Utah introduced legislation on Capitol Hill titled “The Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2013” to evaluate the nation’s critical care resources and infrastructure. The legislation is designed to identify gaps in the current critical care delivery model and bolster capabilities to meet future demand. (more…)
Redesigning the Child Medical Record
The Gates Foundation invites submissions to the “Records for Life” contest with the purpose to produce accurate and accessible records for children. The competition is needed to redesign children’s health records in an effort to increase accuracy and make medical records easier to interpret and use. (more…)
Sharing Justice and Health Info
People involved in the criminal justice system have significantly higher rates of behavioral and physical health problems than the general population. The rate of serious mental illness among incarcerated persons is estimated to be more than three times higher than in the general population. (more…)
Two States Expand Telemedicine
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) applauds the state governments of Kentucky and Missouri for expanding coverage of telemedicine services within their jurisdictions. According to Jonathan Linkous, ATA CEO, “This is a true win-win scenario for the patients in Kentucky and Missouri and a win also for the treasury and taxpayers in those states who will save significantly on public healthcare costs.” (more…)
Building HIV/AIDS Data Resources
The HIV/AIDS pandemics have been a serious threat to global health for decades. However, rapid advancements in HIV/AIDS research has generated a significant amount of knowledge in the field. AHRQ’s study funded for $290,000 will look at how to provide more data to the HIV/AIDS providers and the community. (more…)
Dental Health in the News
The New York State Department of Health has issued an RFP to identify a contractor to establish the Oral Health Center of Excellence (OHCE) to serve the people statewide. The chief objective is to provide assistance to communities, local health departments, healthcare institutions, mobile dental vans, and school-based health centers to improve oral health and improve access to oral health services. (more…)
Louisiana’s Current Initiatives
The Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum e-News reports that the Louisiana Health Information Exchange (LaHIE) is expected to launch their Patient Portal this summer enabling consumers to have access to their personal EHRs. (more…)