MN lawmakers approve e-prescribing measure

The Minnesota state legislature has approved a broad healthcare bill that would, among other things, require physicians, pharmacists and others who prescribe or dispense medication in the state to use electronic prescribing as of 2011.

The bill also creates new rules intended to boost quality and price transparency and tie payment to care coordination and performance. For example, the state would create a "healthcare home" certification by July 2009; clinics earning the designation would encourage primary care use, develop comprehensive care plans and focus on those who have or are at risk of developing chronic conditions.

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

Related Articles:
Coalition wants e-prescribing included in Medicare reform
HHS head encourages payers to demand e-prescribing
Group says controlled-substance rules block e-prescribing
E-prescribing: What's holding it back?