Washington, DC (July 27, 2006) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4157, the “Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2005.”  Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) introduced, and the House unanimously passed by voice vote, an amendment to the bill that that would help ensure that all citizens would benefit from advances in medical technology and information.

Specifically, the amendment directs the National Coordinator for the Health Information Technology at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase information and medical resources for individuals with low literacy.  In addition to other responsibilities, the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology advises the department on the development, application, and use of health information technology; and, coordinates health information technology programs.

“Passage of this amendment creates a new national priority for bridging the literacy gap in healthcare resources,” said Hinojosa.  “This new priority is especially important in the race to cure diabetes.  In the 15th Congressional district, more than 100,000 individuals suffer from this disease.  While our nation is constantly working to find new ways of combating diabetes, current treatments rely heavily on medical technology that require its users to have a certain level of mathematical skills, access to the internet, and at a minimum a high school level of literacy.”

Unfortunately, in rural and poor communities, a large number of their residents who suffer from diabetes are undereducated, elderly and lack computer skills, or don’t have the means to access correct information or assistance.
 
“The most effective treatments for individuals with diabetes and other illnesses remain out of the reach of citizens who need it most,” Hinojosa continued.  “Due to this lack of focus in the creation of our technology, millions die each year; in the 15th District, there is a 41.3% diabetes mortality rate due in large part to healthcare literacy barriers.  This amendment will help Americans across the country get information that could save their lives.”
 
H.R. 4157 codifies an office in the Department of Health and Human Services to focus on Health Information Technology (HIT) and tasks it with the development and adoption of standards that will allow providers, health plans, the government and others to communicate with each other. 

The bill passed by a vote of 270-148.