MINNEAPOLIS, May 23, 2008—A statewide forum for anyone planning or implementing electronic health records will be held on June 26 at the Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park.

The fourth annual Minnesota e-Health Summit is also for anyone working on community or regional health information exchange in Minnesota. Past summits have attracted more than 400 people interested in health information technology.

The summit will focus on a new statewide plan that addresses how all health care providers can adopt and effectively use electronic health records to improve the quality of care. The plan is in response to legislation signed by Governor Pawlenty in 2007 that requires all providers to have an interoperable electronic health record system by 2015.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Sanne Magnan, M.D., noted that the goals of electronic health records include improved quality and safety of health care, reduced costs, and improved population health.

“We are fortunate in Minnesota that so many people and organizations are willing to work together to implement electronic health records in a thoughtful, coordinated way,” said Magnan. “The collective energy and wisdom of so many is helping to ensure we see real improvements in the quality and safety of care, and in the health of our families and communities.”

The e-Health Summit’s keynote address will be delivered by Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. She will speak about Making the Connection: Health Information Technology and Quality Health Care.

The breakout sessions will feature many Minnesota speakers highlighting their experience in areas such as effectively implementing health information technologies, protecting privacy and confidentiality, exchanging health information, and improving population health.

Registration