HHS announces digital records initiative for Gulf states

The Department of Health and Human Services announced a new initiative that will fund two programs in Gulf states hit by Hurricane Katrina. HHS will work with the Southern Governor's Association and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to modernize the information technology infrastructure in areas impacted by the disaster. As part of the initiative, Louisiana will develop its own health information sharing and electronic health record system. Supporters of electronic medical records in Washington have argued that disasters like Katrina show that newer systems are sorely needed to help better coordinate relief and response efforts.

- see this press release from the HHS