Legislation

Healthcare is central to our nation's economic prosperity and our national security. Yet, healthcare and healthcare information technology continue to face challenges on a number of fronts. That's why HIMSS has developed Legislative Principles, which provide direction and guidance for legislation endorsed by the organization.

HIMSS also has several legislative research and information tools for its members including:

• The Legislation Action Center is a powerful, effective online activist tool to help move the HIMSS’ agenda forward and to increase our political clout.  Visit the LAC to send emails to your elected officials, to locate town hall meetings in your area, and to stay abreast of legislation pending in Congress.  
• The Federal Legislation Crosswalk is a tracking tool that is regularly updated for HIMSS members, federal decision-makers and the media.  The Crosswalk compares and contrasts provisions in various HIT legislation pending in Congress.
• September 2008 Crosswalk
• The State Legislation Tracker was developed specifically for industry stakeholders. This one-stop tool provides key information on pending health IT legislation at the state level. In addition to providing a summary, description, and status of the legislation, HIMSS Tracker II links state legislation to one of HIMSS 44 local chapters, documents whether that chapter has taken a position on specific legislation, and also links to state-sponsored health information exchange initiatives.

Please use these resources to inform and educate other HIMSS members, your colleagues, and elected officials.  Should you need additional information or have questions, please email advocacy@himss.org