Washington, DC (September 16, 2013) – Each year, during National Health IT Week, HIMSS honors policy leaders who have helped improve health with information technology initiatives. This year, four Health Information Technology Leadership Award winners will honored during the National Health IT Week 2013 Networking Reception and Awards ceremony on Sept. 18 in Washington, D.C. Recipients of the Modern Healthcare/HIMSS CEO IT Achievement Award and the CHIME State Advocacy Award for CIO Leadership will also be recognized.
“This year marks the twelfth year that HIMSS has honored outstanding government leaders,” said Carla Smith, MA, CNM, FHIMSS, Executive Vice President, HIMSS. “They recognize the value of health IT to support care coordination and healthcare transformation. Their personal commitment has made an important difference, as we work to improve healthcare for today and tomorrow.”
Smith also noted that HIMSS will present a Special Recognition Award to outgoing National Coordinator for Health IT, Dr. Farzad Mostashari, MD, ScM, for his outstanding contributions toward achieving widespread health IT adoption in the U.S.
HIMSS Congressional Health IT Leadership Award recipient, Congressman Tim Murphy, Pennsylvania, 18th Congressional District: Congressman Tim Murphy, PhD, of Upper St. Clair began serving his sixth term in Congress representing the 18th District of Pennsylvania. Congressman Murphy relies on his three decades as a psychologist to advocate for meaningful reforms in the U.S. healthcare system. As one of only a handful of members of Congress with a background in healthcare, Murphy established himself as a leader on the issue. He is co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus and a founding member of the GOP Doctors Caucus, giving him a platform to educate other members of Congress and the public on ways to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all families.
He has been a longtime supporter of HIMSS and health IT, dating back to his co-founding the 21st Century Healthcare Caucus with former Representative Patrick Kennedy. Murphy is a long-standing member of the Capitol Hill Steering Committee on Telehealth and Healthcare Informatics. He is also involved with the HIMSS Foundation’s Institute for e-Health Policy and the Congressional Luncheon Series.
HIMSS Federal Health IT Leadership Award recipient, Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Marilyn Tavenner is the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As CMS’ leader, Tavenner is responsible for oversight of the nation’s Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Administrator Tavenner is a leader in advancing health information technology, which is a foundational element in the enhanced delivery of quality, affordable care. Tavenner’s leadership has led CMS through the important development of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, and will leverage health IT to ensure business intelligence helps advance healthcare transformation.
HIMSS State Legislator Health IT Leadership Award recipient, State Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy, Rhode Island State House of Representatives, District 38: Brian Patrick Kennedy (D) represents District 38 in Hopkinton and Westerly. First elected in November 1988, Rep. Kennedy ranks second in the Rhode Island House in seniority.
As a member of the HIMSS State Advisory Roundtable, Rep. Kennedy has participated in the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Project Health Information Technology and States (HITCh) and played an integral part in the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL)’s 2013 health IT proclamation that continues to pay dividends to HIMSS health IT mission. The Representative is also engaged at the HIMSS chapter level by attending events, meeting with members in his capitol office, and supporting health IT legislation in Rhode Island.
Representative Kennedy attended HIMSS13 in New Orleans, La. and provided the keynote during the HIE Preconference Symposium, attended the State Advisory Roundtable, and spoke during the Public Policy Leaders Breakfast.
HIMSS Special Recognition Health IT Leadership Award recipient, Farzad Mostashari, MD, ScM, National Coordinator for Health IT: Dr. Farzard Mostashari, serves as National Coordinator for Health Information Technology within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HIMSS honors him with this recognition before he leaves government service in October 2013.
Dr. Mostashari has an impact on health IT that is far reaching and effective. He engages fellow federal leaders, healthcare stakeholders, and other interested participants in information sharing across all community segments. He frequently requests HIMSS observations and guidance on issues, such as meaningful use, care coordination, value of health IT, and interoperability capabilities.
