Briefs: Wisconsin Bill Boosts Health Information Exchange

Wisconsin Bill Boosts Health Information Exchange

A newly signed bill from Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle sets the duties of a nonprofit corporation that will oversee and administer federal funding for a health information exchange network.

Signed into law this week, the Wired for Health Act "creates a framework for a state-level, private-public structure to govern and coordinate the implementation of the statewide network," according to Doyle's office.

The move was prompted by stipulations attached to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requiring states to either receive such grants themselves or form a state-designated body, and to put in place the necessary technology infrastructure for the exchanges.

According to the governor's office, Wisconsin is receiving $9.4 million for the planning and development of a statewide network. The act paves the way for hospitals to receive $500 million to $800 million in incentive payments to help them establish and use electronic medical record systems.

Nevada Awards Contract for Unemployment Insurance Modernization

Capgemini Government Solutions announced this week it has been awarded a three-year, $27.9 million contract to deliver an unemployment insurance modernization solution to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), which will replace its existing systems and technologies.

The solution includes Oracle's Enterprise Taxation Management software, according to the vendor. Capgemini, in collaboration with Oracle, will modernize the systems necessary to conduct employer contributions, constituent benefits claims, eligibility determination and benefits payments.

"Higher unemployment, combined with changes in federal legislation, has impacted our ability to keep up with operations and technology changes associated with tax and revenue management and compliance," said Larry Mosley, director of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, in a press statement. "Working collaboratively with Capgemini on this new solution will address these challenges so the DETR can better streamline operations, reduce costs and better serve the citizens of Nevada."

Arizona Signs up for Free Training Vouchers from Microsoft

More than 20,000 Arizonans will receive free vouchers for technology training and certification from a partnership between Microsoft and the state announced Tuesday, May 11.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security will coordinate voucher distribution with Microsoft's Elevate America program, which to date has given 1 million vouchers since the effort began last year. New York and Massachusetts are two of the most recent states to jump aboard.

Source: Phoenix Business Journal