Health Information Technology Work Group (HITWG)
In order to respond effectively to the federal initiative on Health Information Technology (HIT), the Department of Health is leading an effort to coordinate the State's response and insure that New York State is in the forefront of the effort. As a starting point, we have formed the HITWG, within State government, to perform the following functions:
- Communication: Assure that the various departments and agencies of the State are informed about the subject and the activities of each other regarding it. The group will also serve as a focal point for communication with the federal government and with the various New York communities, providers and payers that will be involved. Communication links with the general public about the benefits of the initiative will also be developed.
- Coordination and Knowledge Center: Coordinate the responses of the various NYS entities to the initiative, and serve as a central source of information on HIT issues including regulatory, legal, financing, technology, public health, medical research, bioterrorism, payment and insurance.
- Policy Advice: Informally advise the NYS entities involved on HIT-related policy issues.
Along with the various units within the Department of Health that will be involved, it is expected that the Governor's Office, Office for Technology, the Insurance Department, the Civil Service Commission, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Dormitory Authority will also be represented in the Group.
Following a series of organizational meetings to get started, the Group will meet regularly on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to remain current.
