Consumer, biz groups push pro-EMR legislation

A trio of advocacy groups--including the AARP, the Service Employees International Union and the Business Roundtable--have begun a lobbying effort encouraging Congress to push EMR adoption. In a joint statement, the groups cited a 2005 study by RAND which estimated that the health system would save as much $165 billion if providers adopted health IT more broadly. The groups have asked legislators to pass legislation immediately which would give all Americans access to secure EMRs. The three organizations believe that Congress should foster EMR adoption by offering providers grants, loans and tax credits. They'd also like to see the legislation require payers and providers develop interoperable systems as soon as possible. Congress is already considering a bill, the National Health Information Incentive Act, which would offer physicians grants, loans and tax incentives to encourage EMR adoption.

To find out more about the initiative:
- read this United Press International article
- read the groups' joint press release

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