Task force analyzes health data systems

Blunt announced Tuesday that he had established through an executive order the Missouri Healthcare Information Technology task force, chaired by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Julie Eckstein.

According to Blunt's office, most patient data currently is stored primarily in paper form and housed with individual providers. Providers have difficulty obtaining complete information, and public health agencies cannot conduct disease surveillance efficiently.

“The current system for sharing vital health care information is badly outdated, expensive and a disservice to patients in need of care,” Blunt said in a news release. “I look forward to hearing this task force's deliberations on this issue and to the recommendations to help move the delivery of health care in Missouri into the 21st century.”

The 14-member task force will be asked to:

o Review current health care information technology adaptation in the state;

o Address issues related to the delivery of health care information;

o Analyze the cost adoption of interoperable health care information;

o Identify private resources and public/private partnerships to fund the adoption of interoperable health information technology;

o Explore the use of telemedicine; and

o Make recommendations to the governor for implementation.

Other members of the task force will be announced at a later date.

Blunt has allocated $25 million in his budget recommendation to the legislature for a Healthcare Technology Trust Fund.

A July 1 deadline has been set for the group to submit its preliminary report, and its final report must be submitted by Sept. 1.