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Wendell Hutson | Oct 12, 2015

Health information-technology accountability bill introduced in U.S. Senate

New legislation was introduced recently by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) that they said would strengthen accountability and improve transparency in health information technology systems.

Cassidy said the Transparent Ratings on Usability and Security to Transform Information Technology (TRUST IT) Act of 2015 would help ensure that certified health IT systems are performing as promised in the field. The bill also would establish a rating system that would enable consumers to compare different products based on performance.

“As a physician, time is better spent looking into a patient’s eyes to make sure that she comprehends that even though she has cancer, there is hope — as opposed to clicking through a computer screen to document something unimportant to her and required by someone far removed from the exam room,” Cassidy said. “This bill implements better coordination in the electronic health records system. Doctors will be able to better care for their patients and, in turn, deliver on the promise that their information is being used for their benefit and not for the benefit of others.”

Whitehouse said the bill is long overdue.

“Right now, after a health IT product is certified for use, there’s no way to ensure that it continues to deliver as promised for doctors and patients, and no way to easily compare one product to another,” Whitehouse said.

Dr. Bill Cassidy is a physician, teacher, community leader, father and husband. Cassidy grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State University (LSU), earning his undergraduate and medical degrees. For nearly three decades, Cassidy has provided care for uninsured and underinsured patients in Louisiana’s charity hospital system.

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