Montana gov. argues for EHR funding
Legislators are increasing the cost and lowering the quality of healthcare in Montana by refusing funding for EHR technology, Governor Brian Schweitzer said in a March 16 news release. The state legislature denied the Department of Public Health and Human Services the authority to accept and distribute the money to hospitals in House Bill 2, which passed the Montana House on March 14.
Montana hospitals and doctors are due to receive an estimated $35 million in federal funding related to meaningful use of EHRs, which could reduce costs and improve patient care with technology, according to the news release from the governor's office, but the legislature rejected that funding.
The governor asserted that removal of that funding will result in an estimated loss of 504 Montana jobs, and Montana is the only state that has refused the EHR incentive funds, according to the statement.
Montana hospitals and doctors are due to receive an estimated $35 million in federal funding related to meaningful use of EHRs, which could reduce costs and improve patient care with technology, according to the news release from the governor's office, but the legislature rejected that funding.
The governor asserted that removal of that funding will result in an estimated loss of 504 Montana jobs, and Montana is the only state that has refused the EHR incentive funds, according to the statement.