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April 1, 2009

DCH Continues as Georgia’s Health Information Technology Lead Agency

ATLANTA ­ The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) today announced that it has been designated by Governor Sonny Perdue as the state agency to receive health information technology (HIT) funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The designation extends DCH’s leadership role in the HIT community.

"DCH’s designation as the state’s resource for HIT funding is a testimony to the huge strides Georgia has made in the advancement of electronic health information through DCH leadership and collaborative efforts" said Dr. Carladenise Edwards, Chief of Staff of DCH and DCH’s lead for Stimulus funding. "We will use this designation as an opportunity to continue the charge to transform health care through the use of technologies aimed at improving health care quality, access and affordability.”

The ARRA includes over $20 billion for HIT provisions nationwide. Collectively referred to as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, the HITECH Act would provide financial incentives for HIT use among health care practitioners.

“We are excited about the opportunities that will be made possible through the HITECH Act and look forward to applying for funding that will allow Georgia to expand its strategic plan to use HIT to improve the health outcomes for the citizens of Georgia,” said Renea Steele, Director of the Office of Health Information Technology and Transparency.

Georgia will use stimulus funds to establish a loan and grant program for providers who are interested in purchasing electronic health records, to reimburse Medicaid providers who utilize electronic health records to improve clinical outcomes, and it hopes to be named as a HIT Regional Extension Center.

To learn about Stimulus funds that DCH is tracking visit: www.dch.georgia.gov/stimulus.