Chicago, October 28--The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) today announced its support for a bill introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) that provides for the coordination and support, data standards, and privacy measures necessary for the adoption of a standard electronic health record (EHR) and a nationwide health information network (NHIN).

"We are very pleased to see this pointed and practical legislation introduced by Chairman Johnson," stated Linda Kloss, MA, RHIA, AHIMA CEO. "AHIMA has been working for years to see many of the items included in this bill through to adoption and we intend to advocate with our members and industry partners to ensure that Congress understands, supports and passes this legislation."

Among the items addressed in HR 4157, The Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2005 (HITPA), is an upgrade to our nation's 30-year old diagnostic and procedure classification system. The bill calls for the adoption and implementation of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS as replacements for the obsolete ICD-9-CM in the US by October 1, 2009. If passed, the HITPA will enable the use of diagnostic and procedure codes that accurately reflect 21st century medicine for clinical, public health, quality, and reimbursement decisions.

In July, Kloss testified before the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee--chaired by Johnson--on the need for adoption of ICD-10 and other health information standards and improvements contained in the legislation.

The October 2009 date was determined due to a need to concurrently update HIPAA standards. The HITPA also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) publish a "Notice of Intent" that announces the requirements and compliance dates for transaction and code set standards upgrades. This notice will provide the "green light" many industry vendors have indicated they need to begin the process of software development and data base changes to accommodate ICD-10.

AHIMA also supports provisions in the bill to codify and formally establish the Office of the Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), study and implement uniform regulations for privacy and security of health information, and provide "safe harbors" for Stark and anti-kickback rules that will allow covered entities to assist each other with the implementation of EHR's and a NHIN.

"This bill provides valuable support for some of the initial building blocks of the NHIN," said Kloss. "While no single piece of legislation can possibly address all of the issues related to adoption of health information technology, this is a strong step in the right direction."

AHIMA is the national association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA's 50,000 members are dedicated to the effective management of personal health information needed to deliver quality healthcare to the public. Founded in 1928 to improve the quality of medical records, AHIMA is committed to advancing the HIM profession in an increasingly electronic and global environment through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning.

For information about the Association, go to www.ahima.org.

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