III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 562 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 19, 2012 Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning on September 10, 2012 and ending on September 14, 2012 as National Health Information Technology Week to recognize the value of health information technology in improving health quality.

Whereas healthcare information technology and management systems have been recognized as essential tools for improving patient care, ensuring patient safety, stopping duplicative tests and paperwork, and reducing healthcare costs; Whereas the Center for Information Technology Leadership has estimated that the implementation of national standards for interoperability and the exchange of health information would save the United States approximately $77,000,000,000 in expenses relating to healthcare each year; Whereas Congress has made a commitment to leveraging the benefits of healthcare information technology and management systems, including supporting the adoption of electronic health records that will help to reduce costs and improve quality while ensuring the privacy of patients; Whereas the ability to exchange health information confidently and securely between different providers, systems, and insurers is critical to transforming the healthcare delivery system of the United States to improve clinical outcomes for patients, control costs, and expand access to care through the use of technology; Whereas Congress has made real-time health information exchange a priority and an essential component of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentive Programs; Whereas Congress has emphasized improving the quality and safety of delivery of healthcare in the United States; and Whereas, since 2006, organizations across the United States have united to support National Health Information Technology Week to improve public awareness of the benefits of improved quality and cost efficiency of the healthcare system that the implementation of health information technology could achieve: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates the week beginning on September 10, 2012 and ending on September 14, 2012 as National Health Information Technology Week; (2)recognizes the value of information technology and management systems in transforming healthcare for the people of the United States; and (3)calls on all interested parties to promote the use of information technology and management systems to transform the healthcare system of the United States.