AHIC 2.0 Holds Public Forum to Review Recommendations From Phase I of the Process and Next Steps
JUNE 16, 2008
The AHIC Successor process held on June 4th the last of its public forum meetings associated with Phase I of the process—the “Planning and Establishing” phase.
Three of the four Planning Groups focused on governance, financial sustainability for the organization, and membership shared their recommendations during a public forum in Washington, D.C. at the Brookings Institution.
Information shared with the meeting participants included the purpose and the scope which set the context for the Planning Group discussions, the organization and design of the Board of Directors, recommended membership segments, and an annual operating budget for the new organization.
According to the meeting materials, the purpose and the scope which set the context for the Planning Group discussions was as follows:
The AHIC Successor will be an independent, sustainable public-private enterprise that brings together the best of the public, non-profit and private sectors into a trusted, purpose-driven organization for the creation and use of a secure interoperable nationwide health information system. Its vision is to realize interoperability that engages individuals, providers, institutions and other stakeholders in a patient-centered learning health care system that supports continuously improving health care quality, safety, efficiency and accessibility. The AHIC Successor’s primary purpose is, through achievement of its vision, to improve and maintain the health and well-being of all individuals and communities in the United States.
* Accelerate the adoption of interoperable health IT by ensuring the availability of harmonized, coordinated, up-to-date standards and rigorous conformance testing through certification.
* Prioritize stakeholder requirements for health IT interoperability.
* Advance health information policies and technical approaches that promote A2’s vision and purpose and protect confidentiality, privacy, and security, consistent with the policies established by HHS and applicable federal and state laws.
* Oversee and facilitate the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN – a network-of-networks).
The Governance Planning Group recommended a Board composed of 18 directors that would be a blend of at-large members and specific seats for government and consumers. The Membership Planning Group outlined membership segmentation that would assure representation of all stakeholders—particularly consumers.
The Financial Sustainability Planning Group called for a $3.2 million annual operating budget, revenues for which would be derived from membership dues and the federal government. Core activities covered by the operating budget would include:
* Setting priorities for standards harmonization and certification criteria development.
* Ensuring that momentum is maintained with harmonization and certification activities.
* Providing thought leadership in the creation and use of a secure interoperable nationwide health information system to support improvements in the quality, safety, and value of accessible health care.
For more information, go to www.ahicsuccessor.org.
