This just popped up. It is probably important. Sadly OZ not actually mentioned.
U.S., Europe Sign Accord to Foster EHR Compatibility
2010-12-21
European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes and U.S. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius signed an agreement in Washington to collaborate on EHR interoperability
The United States and the European Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on compatible formats for EHRs (electronic health records) and to promote education in health care technology.
Vice President of the European Commission Neelie Kroes and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced and signed the memorandum on Dec. 17 at the Transatlantic Economic Council, a political organization that fosters economic cooperation between governments.
Interoperability of EHRs is essential for the e-health market to grow globally, according to the Commission.
Under the terms of the memorandum, HHS and the Commission will exchange delegates and specialists to share information on e-health. They'll also set up joint working groups, workshops and conferences to establish shared strategies on EHRs.
Adoption of EHRs is four times higher in the EU than in the United States, the Commission reports.
"Nothing makes more of a difference to people's lives than good health," Kroes said in a statement. "I warmly welcome today's agreement. It is an excellent basis for the Commission and the U.S. authorities to expand our cooperation on promoting the overall benefits of e-health for patients, health systems and companies."
Under the agreement, EU and U.S.companies will have greater potential to do business in e-health on either continent, according to the EC.
The U.S. government is investing $20 billion toward the use of EHRs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
More here:
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Health-Care-IT/US-Europe-Sign-Accord-to-Foster-EHR-Compatibility-561574/
Happy Christmas!
David.
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