AARP Pushes for IT Legislation
Representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) testified in front of Congress about the importance of rapid passage of legislation that encourages the adoption of healthcare information technology. It was additionally recommended that a federal board should be created to address privacy considerations.
Byron Thames, M.D., a board member of AARP testified. He noted that privacy is a key component of efforts that will allow information technology to thrive in this sector. A package of policies are required to address the compendium of issues and considerations that relate to the privacy of health-related information. AARP suggests that this framework should be created by a federal advisory board.
Components of the legislation were lauded for the inclusion of key pieces critical to health IT. Dr. Thames noted a gap in the existing legislation crafted by Reps. John Dingell (D-Mich) and Joe Barton (R-Texas). The two prepared a proposed law for IT legislation. He stated that the draft does not consider physician-specific Medicare claims data important to identify efficient and effective practice patterns.
Availability of that information will help to identify reform practices. Those have the potential to control the rising inflation of healthcare without compromising the quality of care that is delivered. The organization noted its willingness to partner together to help improve the draft.
June 10, 2008 Related topics: Legal & legislative, Trends, Partnerships & Consortia