This report is one of several key products of the NGA Center for Best Practices State Alliance for e-Health. It is intended to give interim guidance to state leaders as they begin to implement the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

From the report:

Health information technology (IT) and electronic health information exchange (HIE) have emerged as a primary means of shaping a health care system that is effective, safe, transparent, and affordable. They are important tools to improve the efficiency of health care delivery. When linked to other system reforms, technology can support better quality health care, reduce errors, eliminate redundant services, and improve population health data. States are committed to promoting technology as a means to improve the nation’s health system.

This guide recommends actions states should begin today to ensure successful implementation of HITECH (health information technology). Many of the actions require decisions within the year. Some states may be in a position to move more swiftly than others in deploying HIE, but all will experience an unprecedented level of new activity and policy challenges.

Full report:  Preparing to Implement HITECH: A State Guide for Electronic Health Information Exchange (PDF | 752.97 KB)

National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, State Alliance for e-Health. (2009). Preparing to implement HITECH: a state guide for electronic health information exchange.