HIT Definition Groups Want More Input

HDM Breaking News, March 25, 2008

Two work groups seeking industry consensus on the definition and use of five specific health information technology terms have opened up a new public comment period as they strive to finish their work by April 28. The effort, originally scheduled to wrap up on March 28, also has expanded to include a sixth I.T. term.

The Network Work Group is considering the terms “regional health information organization” and “health information exchange.” Based on previous industry input, the group revised its HIE definition to cover only the process of electronic exchange, not the governing function or entity. Consequently, the group is seeking comments on names and definitions for a sixth term to describe the entity that governs an HIE beyond the confines of a specific regionally based community.

The Records Work Group is considering the terms “electronic medical records,” “electronic health records” and “personal health records.” Both work groups have posted updated draft definitions at definitions.nahit.org, and also are accepting additional comment on these definitions through April 9.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:

• Consumer Health
• Electronic Health Records
• Health Information Exchange
• Policies/Regulation
• Hospitals
• Group Practices
• Payers