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Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) – Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has been awarded nearly $7.3 million in federal stimulus funds to build a cutting-edge information technology network for the health care system in Connecticut that will reduce costs, medical errors and, ultimately, be an integral component for a nationwide Health Information Exchange (HIE).

“These funds allow us to bring tremendous changes to the way health care is delivered in Connecticut. The result will be a more efficient system with less paperwork for patients and providers. Ultimately, every citizen will have an electronic record,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut continues to build our medical record-keeping of the 21st Century, one that will be secure and cost-effective.”

The Governor said the state Department of Public Health (DPH) will take the lead in building the health information technology exchange. It will be inclusive of all doctors, hospitals - large and small - and other health care entities.

This award from the federal Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology allows the DPH to work with Connecticut’s Health Information Exchange Advisory Committee in developing, implementing and sustaining a secure and robust statewide health information exchange.
The 12-member Advisory Committee was established by statute to help identify ways to integrate the electronic health information system and identify both public and private sources of funding. Lt. Governor Michael Fedele, a voting member of the Advisory Committee, said the award was great news for the Health Information Technology community in Connecticut.

“It is a pleasure working with such a collaboration of minds and talents. I commend the entire board for their tireless efforts,” Lt. Governor Fedele said. “This funding will help Connecticut move smoothly into the 21st Century of safely and securely managing medical records.”

This award will be used to develop strategic and operational plans that will guide the development and implementation of the HIE the state.

The award to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is part of a $564 million federal initiative to promote the development of a nationwide interoperable Health Information Technology (Health IT) infrastructure.