Legislation introduced in the Senate by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), The Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010 (S. 3709), would extend financial incentives for adopting health information technology including electronic health records to mental health and addiction treatment providers and facilities. Establishing an interoperable system of electronic health information is critical to encouraging greater care coordination among mental health, primary and other health care providers as well as increased engagement of consumers in managing their own care. Both of these goals are key to improving treatment outcomes and overall health.
By extending financial incentives to behavioral health providers and facilities, S. 3709 would enable behavioral health providers and facilities to engage in the electronic exchange of health information and improve the health and safety of individuals in need of behavioral health services.
It is critical that you tell your Senators to cosponsor S. 3709. In order to improve care coordination and overall quality of care, mental health and addiction treatment providers must be encouraged to implement HIT and engage in the appropriate, privacy-protected exchange of electronic health information.
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