AHA, group purchasers ask Blumenthal to include supply-chain management in EHR standards

We're finding more and more that electronic health records, as defined by the standards for "meaningful use," are far less than comprehensive. Mental health providers, with the exception of psychiatrists, aren't eligible for federal subsidies. Dental records aren't required. And now, two organizations say federal officials should consider integrating two standards from the healthcare supply chain into EHRs and supply-chain management systems as an additional safeguard against medical errors.

Specifically, the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association and the American Hospital Association's Association for Healthcare Resource and Materials Management say that standards known as the Global Location Number to pinpoint the location of a product or service and the Global Trade Item Number, which identifies specific products and services, can help take harmful devices and supplies out of care settings in case of a recall.

"Today, manufacturers, wholesalers/distributors, suppliers, group purchasing organizations, hospitals, and physicians each record and track product information differently, opening the flood gates for medical errors that severely impact patient safety and the quality of care. Without data standards in this area, it is virtually impossible to efficiently recall devices and other supplies and that can lead to grave injury and even death." the two organizations write in a letter to national health IT coordinator Dr. David Blumenthal.

"It is a matter of great importance that these standards be supported by the EHR," the letter continues. "Care will only be improved if this is the case. For instance, if EHRs are able to support the use of product identifiers, then recalls will be undertaken with greater ease, and physicians and patients will be informed immediately."

We are not yet aware of a response from ONC.

To learn more:
- see this Health Data Management story
- view a copy of the letter to Blumenthal (.pdf)

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'Boston Globe' frames meaningful use in terms of patient safety

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