AHIC Meets to Discuss Workgroup Updates and Transitions

 The American Health Information Community (AHIC) met on July 31 to discuss its plans for transitioning into a future AHIC body that will operate as a public-private venture.  According to the July 2007 AHIC successor white paper, an AHIC successor will be charged with developing a unified approach to realizing an effective, interoperable nationwide health information system that supports the health and well-being of individuals and communities in the U.S.

Secretary Leavitt, who has been an ardent advocate for the transition of the AHIC into the public-private entity, cautioned AHIC members to avoid hindering further developments of a future AHIC fueled by not only the federal government, but also by the private sector.

The AHIC will be reaching out to potential qualified organizations later this summer; the Secretary revealed that he will be personally reaching out to organizations to encourage participation.  It was also announced that AHIC will issue a notice of funding in mid August, with a complete transition expected to take place by spring of 2008.

Qualifications for a successor include being able to bring together both public and private, not-for-profit and for-profit entities that represent all sectors of the health community.

The Secretary stressed the importance of keeping the transitional body that emerges individually and consumer focused during its development.  The new entity should also have a governance structure, which allows it to change and adapt to the dynamic market changes in HIT.

To read the complete white paper, click here.  The AHIC is seeking public comments on this paper, and those wishing to comment should click here for specific instructions on how to do so.  The open comment period will take place from August 6, 2007 through September 10, 2007.