Ron Kind: “I rise in appreciation that House Leadership has at last brought a health information technology bill to the Floor. As a…”

“I rise in appreciation that House Leadership has at last brought a health information technology bill to the Floor. As a cochair of the New Democrat Coalition, I have been a long-time supporter of health IT. I believe health IT, if done correctly, will highlight the need for personal accountability in health care, advance technological innovation, promote fiscal responsibility and, most importantly, improve health and save lives. Additionally, great strides can be made in homeland security as well as tracking disease and infection. I am pleased that H.R. 4157 will codify in law the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and that the coordinator will be tasked with devising a national strategic plan for implementing health IT. Additionally, the grant money authorized by the bill is a worthwhile, if small, step in the right direction. Representing western Wisconsin, I know too well how difficult it is for small medical practices to afford the purchase and upkeep of software and hardware needed for electronic medical records. The $5 million in grants to rural or underserved urban areas is the first of many such grants Congress must facilitate. While I am pleased the bill is moving forward, I am disappointed that negotiations were not done in a more bipartisan manner.…”