ALSO NOTED: AHA head plugs new standards model; Baylor rolls out IM, presence-based solution; and much more...

> The CEO of the American Hospital Association is calling for a new model for creating and developing federal health IT standards. Article

> Baylor Medical Center has rolled out a new solution using IMs and wireless presence technologies to connect doctors to technicians. Article

> Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has expanded its EDI clearinghouse and portal to include traditional Medicare eligibility and benefit information. Article

> Hoping to avoid a medical records loss in the event of another disaster, a provider in Katrina-affected Mississippi's Gulf Coast is rolling out an EMR system in its clinics. Article

> Seattle-area doctors have begun adopting secure e-mail communications as a way of communicating with patients. Article

And Finally... When it's time to roll out your EMR, it helps if you have friends. Blog