Recent Legislative Acts Recognize Importance of Science, Technology, Innovation and Health IT in Nation’s Economic Resurgence

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was published this week by the House Appropriations Budget Committee.  The act reaffirms the critical role that innovation must play in the recovery of our nation’s economic and world standing.  The act is part of the federal stimulus package and it includes several key investments in the nation’s “innovation infrastructure,” including funding for broadband and wireless services, health IT, technology improvements for an efficient and secure government, education technology and scientific research.  The stimulus proposal would include significant investments in basic science and research and development supporting efforts across physical, environmental and life sciences.  To help commercialize innovation, funds will also be allocated to support regional technology-based economic development initiatives which help yield dividends to the local and national economies.

 Particular emphasis was placed on Health IT when, along with the $20 billion stimulus money earmarked for this sector, the House Ways and Means committee also passed a comprehensive health IT act.  Known as the Health IT for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), the bill would give doctors as much as $65,000 each for showing they are meaningfully using health information technology.  Hospitals, federally qualified health centers, rural clinics and other providers could be in line for several million dollars if they comply.  The money would come by way of incentives to Medicare and Medicaid providers and would reduce reimbursements to doctors and hospitals after several years if they are not using certified electronic health records (EHRs).  

 The bill also establishes the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, along with a call for development of standards and certification processes.  

 These two bills will be combined into one package during consideration of the President’s larger stimulus measure.  

 For more information on the details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, see the story in Science Progress  http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/01/recovering-innovation-innovating-to-recover/