State to use stimulus funds for health info network

Almost $7.3 million in federal stimulus funds will be used to build an information technology network for health care systems in Connecticut, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Monday.

"These funds allow us to bring tremendous changes to the way health care is delivered in Connecticut," Rell said in a news release. "The result will be a more efficient system with less paperwork for patients and providers. Ultimately, every citizen will have an electronic record."

The new system, she said, will be "secure and cost-effective" and will help lower costs for care, reduce medical errors and, ultimately, be part of a nationwide health information exchange.

The state Department of Public Health will lead the effort. All Connecticut doctors, hospitals and other health care organizations will be eligible to participate. The state's Health Information Exchange Advisory Committee also is involved.