MA passes law requiring HIT implementation

The state of Massachusetts has passed a package of healthcare laws that include provisions requiring the implementation of health IT and regulating consulting deals between medical-products companies and providers. The rules come as part of a broad set of reforms intended to cut costs within the state's healthcare system, promote transparency and foster quality improvement.

The IT-related portions of the rules require hospitals and community health centers to have computerized physician order-entry (CPOE) systems in place by 2012 and EMRs by 2015. They also require medical-device makers and pharmaceutical companies to disclose consulting fees or in-kind gifts to doctors in excess of $50. The medical-products firms will also have to publish annual reports disclosing services provided by each medical consultant.

Not surprisingly, there are concerns about the cost of meeting the timelines set out the legislation. The Massachusetts Hospital Association notes that while 30 percent of its member hospitals have CPOE systems in place, or have gotten most of the way there, the rest might have trouble meeting the 2012 deadline. CPOE systems will cost between $2 million and $4 million to set up, and will cost $250,000 and $500,000 to maintain, the MHA estimates. (Oddly enough, the MHA spokesperson voiced no complaints over the EMR mandate, which could cost a heck of a lot more.)

To learn more about this legislation:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.) or
- read the related Editor's Corner

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