Bush proposed EMRs for most Americans in 10 years

President Bush on Monday said he would like most Americans to have electronic medical records (EMRs) within the next 10 years.

Speaking in Minneapolis, Bush said that paper records can lead to errors, inefficiencies and poor communication between doctors and nurses. To help reach the goal, the president is creating a national health information technology coordinator, who would report to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) applauded President Bush's initiative to bring EMR technology to more Americans.

"The President's announcement of the new NHIT coordinator position reporting directly to the [HHS] Secretary recognizes proposals made by stakeholders and members of Congress to ensure that our nation makes rapid progress on the adoption of the electronic health record," said HIMSS president and CEO H. Stephen Lieber.

The President also is expected to announce the name of the new National Health Information Technology Coordinator.

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