> Clinical IT is proving to be a critical component in boosting quality of care in California, according to a group running a statewide pay-for-performance project there. Article

> The VA is asking vendors to suggest a model for a new advanced research center to develop new health technologies, including systems for pulling together HIEs and for managing healthcare privacy and security. Article

> Making sure health IT is part of reform is all well and good, but don't forget to keep wireless healthcare in the picture, suggests American Telemedicine Association CEO Jon Linkous in a recent interview. Article

> A new study has concluded that depressed patients who participate in instant messaging sessions with therapists are almost 2.5 times more likely to recover than those who get only standard care from their mental health provider. Article

And Finally... Oh, no! Too many mariachis! (Someone should definitely publish a kid's book about this.) Article