Health IT panel wants feedback on governance of nationwide health information network

A Health & Human Service Department panel has asked the public to comment on how to set up a governing system for the nationwide health information network (NHIN) so providers can start using its services to exchange patient data.

The request was made by the governance workgroup of the Health IT Policy Committee, which is developing final recommendations on the matter. Dr. John Lumpkin, chairman of the work group, has called governance the foundation of health information exchange because it offers confidence that all participants participate according to established rules, such as applying appropriate privacy and security protections. The Office of the National Coordinator has said it plans to release a proposed rule in early 2011 on NHIN governance.