[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8711 of September 12, 2011

National Health Information Technology Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Technological advances have always driven America's economy forward and
improved the lives of our people, from the industrial innovations of the
nineteenth century to today's cutting-edge science. Progress in our
Nation's health care system is no different, and hinges on the work of
hospitals, private practices, and information specialists as they
modernize our health information systems. During National Health
Information Technology Week, we highlight the critical importance of
secure and efficient information systems to improving the delivery of
health care in the United States.
Health information technology connects doctors and patients to more
complete and accurate health records. Tools like electronic health
records and electronic prescriptions help patients and providers make
safer, smarter decisions about health care. This technology is critical
to improving patient care, enabling coordination between providers and
patients, reducing the risk of dangerous drug interactions, and helping
patients access prevention and disease management services. It is
currently being used with great success to coordinate and improve care
for members of our Armed Forces, as well as our Nation's veterans.
Better technology can also cut costs for providers by reducing paperwork
and duplicative tests.
Ensuring the security of health information records is a top priority
for my Administration. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
passed in 2009, promotes the use of Health IT while significantly
strengthening Federal laws protecting patient privacy. Entities
violating privacy laws are now subject to increased penalties. The
Recovery Act also provides landmark financial incentives to eligible
professionals and hospitals that adopt and meaningfully use electronic
health records while protecting the privacy and security of health
information.
Everyone can play a role in improving our health care system. An
important part of this vision is recognizing the pivotal role patients
play in maintaining and improving their own health. Patients can work
with their doctors to access information about their care. And those who
design and implement Health IT systems can enable software that puts
patients and their families at the center of their own care, empowering
and engaging them in reaching their health goals.
America is home to the world's best universities and technical schools,
and the most creative scientists and entrepreneurs. As we challenge
ourselves to push forward into a new century of health technology, we
will continue to foster and promote the innovative spirit that has made
our country what it is today.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 11 through
September 17, 2011, as National Health Information Technology Week. I
urge all Americans to learn more about the bene

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fits of Health IT by visiting HealthIT.gov, take action to increase
adoption and meaningful use of Health IT, and utilize the information
Health IT provides to improve the quality, safety, and cost
effectiveness of health care in the United States.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA