Harris Healthcare Solutions has released Connect 2.4, the latest version of its Connect software, to enable healthcare organizations to exchange patient information on the Nationwide Health Information Network.

NetApp has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bycast, a privately held company headquartered in Vancouver, in an undisclosed all-cash transaction.

The number of healthcare facilities that reported a breach in security that requires notification increased 6 percent from 13 percent in 2008 to 19 percent in 2010, according to the 2010 HIMSS Analytics report on the security of patient data, commissioned by Kroll Fraud Solutions.

The next phase of U.S. healthcare reform will reflect a concerted effort to keep people well, out of the hospital and more actively engaged in managing their own health, according to findings from a report issued this month from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has appointed five new regional directors of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

John Muir Health began notifying 5,450 patients by mail about a potential breach of their personal and health information on April 5. The notification follows the theft of two laptop computers at the John Muir Physician Network perinatal office in Walnut Creek, Calif., in February.

Integrated Document Solutions (IDS) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has launched two smartphone applications designed to allow medical staff and administrators to perform critical and time-sensitive tasks using IPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile devices.

Change will be one of the hardest goals to accomplish as practitioners seek to achieve meaningful use of health IT, said Paul Tang, MD, vice chair for the HIT Policy Committee. Tang took questions and comments on meaningful use this week during an informational webinar hosted by the Strategic Plan Workgroup of the HIT Policy Committee regarding its Health IT Strategic Framework.