HIMSS introduced the Public Policy Forum in 2003 to focus on industry-wide issues affecting senior-level corporate members of HIMSS. This interactive event, usually held in the fall in Washington, D.C., is a special benefit reserved for HIMSS Diamond and Platinum corporate members and their guests. Speakers include prominent government and industry leaders who examine how federal agencies, in collaboration with the private sector, can address solutions to key topics. This invitation-only session brings together 100 executive decision-makers in government and industry to foster a frank exchange of information and innovative thinking.
4th Annual HIMSS Public Policy Forum
Barriers and Solutions to Achieving a Wired
21st Century Healthcare System
A HIMSS Diamond and Platinum Member Exclusive Event
Thursday, September 28, 2006
A record number of industry and government leaders attended the 4th Annual HIMSS Public Policy Forum at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., on September 28th. The program opened with Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition of the U.S House of Representatives, providing a congressional overview of health information technology legislation and reiterating his support for its passage in the 109th Congress. Keynote speakers included:
The Honorable William Winkenwerder, Jr., MD, MBA
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Military Health System
AHIC Commissioner
The Honorable Karen Evans
Administrator for eGov
Office of Management and Budget
Paul Sheils
Head of eHealth & Information Business
Aetna, Inc.
The one-day conference was a marathon opportunity to share information, educate, and motivate HIMSS members to continue their commitment to working with all levels of government on public policy issues. There were also three panel discussions as well as opportunities for networking. The first panel addressed Closing the Digital Divide in HIT, How Real Are Incentive Change and Value Based Purchasing? and Workforce Readiness. Moderated by Miriam Paramore, a member of HIMSS Board of Directors/AFEHCT Advisory Council, the panelists were:
Meanwhile, the audience also received an “Update on the HIMSS/GSA eAuthentication Gateway: Can It Work In Healthcare?” from Mary Griskewicz, FHIMSS, HIMSS Director of Ambulatory Information Systems and David Temoshok, General Services Administration. HIMSS Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Liddy West also provided invaluable information for new products and services for HIMSS corporate members.
As issues of Privacy, Security, and Liability in an Electronic Healthcare Environment are addressed in industry and government, Howard Burde, JD, a member of HIMSS Advocacy & Public Policy Steering Committee, moderated a panel to explore these issues. The panelists were:
A Congressional Staff Panel, which was moderated by Ned McCulloch, JD, Chairperson of HIMSS Advocacy & Public Policy Steering Committee, focused on the Capitol Hill Perspective on HIT Legislation and the Remaining Challenges in the 109th Congress.
Panelists included:
HIMSS Office of Advocacy and Public Policy management and staff extend a very special thanks to program Master of Ceremonies, Barry Chaiken, MD, MPH, HIMSS board member. Visit HIMSS Advocacy web site for more information on the 2006 HIMSS Public Policy Forum or contact Tom Leary, director of Federal Affairs, at tleary@himss.org.
For more information on HIMSS Public Policy Forums, or if you would like HIMSS to host a forum for your organization, please contact Dave Roberts, HIMSS Vice President for Government Relations, at droberts@himss.org.