MGMA calls for standardized patient IDs; Kentucky plans 'national lab' for HIT;

> The Medical Group Management Association is calling for the use of standardized, machine-readable patient ID cards by Jan. 1, 2010, arguing that the cards can strip $1 billion in cost from the system each year. Article

> Kentucky has announced plans to turn itself into a "national laboratory" to see whether health IT can cut costs and improve care. Article

> The Utah Health Information Network, a statewide HIE, is preparing to launch shortly. Article

> Health IT standards organization Health Level Seven (HL7) has passed an ANSI standard that establishes basic requirements for child-appropriate EMRs. Article

And Finally... If you don't like the gift, just return it, bonehead! Article