May 5, 2008

Governor Napolitano Continues National Leadership in e-Health

Launches New Initiative on e-Prescribing

Building upon the success of the Arizona Health-e Connection Roadmap, Governor Janet Napolitano continued her national e-Health leadership by creating the Arizona e-Prescribing Initiative through Executive Order 2008-21. Announced at the 2008 Arizona Health-e Connection Summit, the e-Prescribing Initiative will improve patient care by reducing the number of preventable medical errors in prescribing and administering medication.

“E-prescribing can reduce mistakes and the associated costs dramatically,” said Governor Napolitano. “Arizona has been a leader in developing electronic health records and the means by which to exchange those records while still protecting personal privacy. This order will ensure that we stay on that cutting-edge of health care technology.”

Governor Napolitano’s executive order jumpstarts the e-Prescribe Initiative at the Arizona Health-e Connection (AZHEC) by directing State agencies and licensing boards and commissions to work with AZHEC to increase awareness and utilization of e-Prescribing.

“Governor Napolitano has made Arizona a national leader through her continuing commitment and action on e-Health,” said State CIO and Arizona Health-e Connection Board of Directors Vice Chair Chris Cummiskey. “The e-Prescribe Initiative is the next step in improving the quality and reducing the cost of health care in Arizona.”

Governor Napolitano created the Arizona Health-e Connection Steering Committee in 2005 to create a roadmap for e-Health in Arizona. In 2007, the Arizona Health-e Connection transitioned from the Governor’s steering committee to a nonprofit 501c3 governance organization.