Victory on Health Information Technology and Comparative Effectiveness Research

Press Release
For Immediate Release: February 17, 2009
Contact: Adam J. Segal • 202.422.4673
media@hispanichealth.org

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Signed by President Obama Includes Key Elements Advocated for by National Alliance for Hispanic Health

WASHINGTON, DC – "Today's action by President Obama will help ensure a future of health information that finally reflects the diversity of America and usher in a new era of individualized health care," said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation's leading Hispanic health advocacy group. Dr. Delgado's comments came after today's signing of the American Recovery and Act by the President in Denver, CO.

Dr. Delgado reports that the new law includes crucial elements, advocated for by the Alliance and its member network, for inclusion of Hispanic communities in health information technology and comparative effectiveness research titles of the final legislation. Among the components –

Health Information Technology (HIT) legislative language includes Alliance supported elements to ensure that all communities benefit from HIT. Language includes requirements to:
• ensure the comprehensive collection of patient demographic data, including, at a minimum, race, ethnicity, primary language, and gender information;
• assess and publish the impact in communities...and areas with a high proportion of individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved...; and
• provide financial assistance to consumer advocacy groups and not-for-profit entities that work in the public interest.

Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) legislative language strongly supports the Alliance position that diverse populations must be included in research and that such research must support and not hinder individualized care. Final legislative language states that:
• the conferees recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to patient treatment is not the most medically appropriate solution to treating various conditions;
• include language to ensure that subpopulations are considered when research is conducted or supported with the funds provided in the conference agreement; and,
• none of the reports submitted or recommendations made shall be construed as mandates or clinical guidelines for payment, coverage, or treatment.

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health stands ready to continue its work with the President and the 111th Congress to deliver on the promise of a health care system that meets the needs of all communities. Today's action is an important step on the road to reform that reflects the American values of inclusion, compassion, innovation, and the best in health care for all."