HIMSS and MS-HUG unite to promote healthcare IT

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Microsoft Healthcare Users Group (MS-HUG) have become one.

The union between the two organizations went into effect on Oct. 1. MS-HUG joins HIMSS' new Users Group Alliance Program, which operates under the direction of HIMSS board of directors. HIMSS staff will coordinate and implement activities recommended by MS-HUG leadership.

 David E. Garets, chair of HIMSS' board of directors, described the consolidation as "beneficial for the members of our organizations as well as the healthcare industry itself."

MS-HUG Chair Andrew Fowler said his fellow members will "benefit by gaining access to the vast network of HIMSS resources, publications and educational opportunities, while HIMSS gains the addition of a committed group of MS-HUG volunteers and industry representatives that will strengthen the HIMSS Users Group Alliance Program."

All current MS-HUG members automatically become part of HIMSS' ranks until the HIMSS membership renewal date of July 1, 2004.

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