FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Connecticut Department of Public Health
December 16, 2011 Contact: William Gerrish
(860) 509-7270
Hartford – State health officials today said that plans are moving forward to develop a statewide health information technology exchange (HIE) that will result in a safer and better health care delivery system for Connecticut.
The Health Information Technology Exchange of Connecticut (HITE-CT), a quasi-public agency established to oversee the development of a statewide HIE, was established in 2010 by the Connecticut General Assembly. The agency is managed by an appointed Board of Directors representing consumers, health providers, insurers, and large employers, as well as state agencies responsible for health information exchange.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) was charged by the legislature with establishing the HITE-CT and developing the state’s HIE strategic plan. Last Spring, the federal Department of Health and Human Services formally accepted Connecticut’s HIE plan and made available more than $6.56 million to further the state’s efforts to build a HIE.
“The development and refinement of an effective and secure statewide electronic health information exchange will benefit Connecticut patients and providers for generations to come,” stated DPH Commissioner and HITE-CT Board Chair, Dr. Jewel Mullen. “The electronic exchange of patient specific health information will result in improved health care quality and safety and a more effective and efficient health care delivery system.”
Recent accomplishments by the HITE-CT include the following:
Hiring of Chief Executive Officer - David Gilbertson was hired in late November 2011 to lead the HITE-CT. Mr. Gilbertson brings over twenty years of experience in health information technology to his new role. After a twenty six year career in the United States Army, Mr. Gilbertson was most recently employed by the University of Connecticut as Associate Vice-President and Chief Information Officer.
HIE Vendor Selection – Through a competitive process, the HITE-CT selected Axway, a Phoenix-based software and services company, to deliver the software architecture needed to facilitate the statewide exchange of health information, increase adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records, and assure the privacy and security of electronic health information. For more information about Axway, visit www.axway.com.
Call for Participation - HITE-CT is currently seeking health care provider organizations from a variety of provider sizes (hospitals, large and small group practices) to participate in a pilot program to lead in the early development of the HIE. The Call for Participation and Application forms are available on line. Proposals must be submitted by December 21, 2011.
For more information about Health Information Technology Exchange in Connecticut, please visit www.ct.gov/dph/hite.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.
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