Health IT Strategic Framework

July 21, 2004

The Honorable Tommy G. Thompson
Secretary of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20037

Dear Secretary Thompson:

On April 27, 2004, President Bush called for the majority of Americans to have interoperable electronic health records within 10 years, and in doing so signed an Executive Order establishing the position of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.  The National Coordinator was charged with developing, maintaining, and overseeing a strategic plan to guide nationwide adoption of health information technology in both the public and private sectors.  The Executive Order also called for the National Coordinator to deliver a report on progress toward a strategic plan within 90 days of appointment.

As the nation’s first National Coordinator, I am pleased to deliver that report to you.  Since my appointment on May 6, 2004, I have worked with many federal agencies to develop a Framework for Strategic Action entitled, "The Decade of Health Information Technology:  Delivering Consumer-centric and Information-rich Health Care."  This Framework outlines 12 strategies that will achieve four goals critical to the President’s vision.  These goals include: introduction of information tools into clinical practice, electronically connecting clinicians to other clinicians, using information tools to personalize care delivery, and advancing surveillance and reporting for population health improvement.

The President also directed the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Office of Personnel Management to report on how they can advance the adoption of health information technology.  Their reports are attached.  Also attached is a comprehensive catalogue of identifiable federal health information technology programs.  Together, the Framework and related reports represent the foundation for rapid adoption of health information technology across the nation.

Thank you for your strong leadership on health information technology.  I would also like to thank agency heads and key staff for their efforts to develop and support the Framework for Strategic Action.

Regards,

David J. Brailer, M.D., Ph.D.

National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

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