Designating January 27, 2009, as Texas Healthcare Information Technology Day and commending the participants at the Texas Healthcare Information Technology Forum and all those responsible for furthering the adoption of health information technology in Texas.
Impact
The resolution acknowledges various initiatives by state policymakers to enhance the adoption of health information technology, including the establishment of the Texas Health Information Technology Advisory Committee and the Texas Health Services Authority. These efforts are focused on improving public awareness and promoting the benefits of health information technology across the state. By designating a specific day for this cause, the bill aims to further engage citizens and organizations in discussions about healthcare information and its significance.
Summary
HCR20 is a concurrent resolution designating January 27, 2009, as Texas Healthcare Information Technology Day. The bill recognizes the importance of health information technology in improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of the healthcare system in Texas. It emphasizes that better access to health information can prevent medical errors, which are a significant cause of loss of life in the United States, surpassing fatalities from breast cancer, AIDS, or motor vehicle accidents. By facilitating immediate access to necessary health information, the resolution aims to reduce unnecessary diagnostic tests and associated healthcare costs for Texans.
Contention
Although the resolution does not detail any explicit points of contention or opposition, it does highlight an underlying urgency in addressing the issues caused by preventable medical errors. The recognition of Healthcare Information Technology Day serves to galvanize public and private sector support for better health information practices. However, the successful implementation of health information technology initiatives often encounters challenges such as funding, training, and systemic resistance, which are common in transformative healthcare policy discussions.
Relating to the provision and delivery of certain health, mental health, and educational services in this state, including the delivery of those services using telecommunications or information technology.