Executive Order Sets New Goals for Health IT, Consumer Data

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Wednesday signed an executive order mandating health IT adoption, increased transparency of health care cost and quality information and improved accountability of public and private health systems, the Sacramento Business Journal reports (Robertson, Sacramento Business Journal, 3/14).

The executive order is consistent with President Bush's Value-Driven Health Care Initiative and fulfils elements of Schwarzenegger's health care reform proposal released in January (Office of the Governor release, 3/14).

The executive order will:

Establish a cabinet-level work group of public and private sector representatives to develop a plan to improve quality, transparency and accountability by the end of 2007;
Expand the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's ability to collect treatment data, as well as cost and pricing information for consumers, employers, health plans and providers; and
Find ways to connect incentives given to health plans and providers for improving quality and efficiency (Sacramento Business Journal, 3/14).

Schwarzenegger said health IT will reduce medical errors, improve patient care and curb medical costs. He added, "It will definitely bring a lot of efficiency to the whole process" (Bennett, North County Times, 3/15).

The California Medical Association said the executive order is "another unfunded mandate" that some physicians will not be able to afford (Sacramento Business Journal, 3/14). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.