MN to create EMRs for state employees

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has announced that the state will create an EMR for all state employees as part of a larger push designed to give state consumers more control over their care. To further this goal, the initiative will include a $250 reimbursement account to cover out-of-pocket expenses along with the EMR, which will be accessed through a secure state website. Also, private health plans in the state will soon post data on provider prices and quality ratings as well. The state, which expects to make the records available to most Minnesotans by 2011, expects to spend $600,000 on this initial phase of development.

In focusing on individual patients as well as providers, Minnesota is taking a different tack than some other states, many of which are focused primarily on developing RHIOs. Clearly, there are different implications that arise from a patient-driven system than one whose primary aim is to connect providers. It will be interesting to see how the consumer influences how data sharing plays out from state to state.

To learn more about the state's plans:
- read this Modern Healthcare article (reg. req.)

Related Articles:
NY kicks off final phase of RHIO funding
Minnesota backs statewide HIE

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