[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 562--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

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 562

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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