An Official AHIMA Statement Attributable to:

Linda L. Kloss

AHIMA Chief Executive Officer

AHIMA Applauds Selection of Dr. Blumenthal to Head ONC

CHICAGO, March 20, 2009—“There is not a more appropriate selection than Dr. David Blumenthal as National Coordinator to lead America’s Health Information Technology efforts through this period of expansion and great promise.  His selection by President Obama illustrates the Administration’s unqualified commitment to serious healthcare reform and the vital role quality health information must play in this process.  Dr. Blumenthal brings to our challenge a unique depth of experience, an extremely broad field of vision and, perhaps most important, an unquestionable professional commitment to patient care and welfare—the ultimate measurement of successful reform.

“For these reasons especially, AHIMA looks forward to working with Dr. Blumenthal and the ONC for HIT in the months and years ahead.  And given our shared commitment, health information management has never been more certain of winning real reform—including lower costs, better care and wider coverage.”