Researchers have reportedly identified a biological marker in the brains of those exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder using magnetoencephalography (MEG), based on a study published Jan. 20 in the Journal of Neural Engineering.

While the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and its Center for Health IT supports the goals of the new meaningful use regulations announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the organization stated that the regulations, as proposed, pose hurdles that challenge small- and medium-size medical practices ability to achieve all that is required to receive the incentive payments.

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has made available a series of short white papers analyzing the recently released notice of proposed rulemaking on meaningful use from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has sent letters to 31 U.S. hospitals asking about their experiences in implementing health IT under the $19 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). He is seeking to ensure the effective and efficient use of taxpayer money in implementing health IT, such as computerized provider order entry systems and EHRs.

The Certification Commission for Health IT (CCHIT) will update both of its EHR technology certification programs to conform to the Interim Final Rule of meaningful use recently released by the Department of Health and Human Services. Applications will begin to be accepted Feb. 12.

The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) is standing behind vertebroplasty--a minimally invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures--despite a controversy that arose over two studies that concluded the treatment offered no benefit over a placebo procedure.

Health Level Seven (HL7) has changed its name to Health Level Seven International to represent its focus on the development of global health IT standards.

The board of directors of the health nonprofit eHealth Initiative andFoundation Tuesday announced the appointment of Jennifer Covich Bordenick as CEO, effective immediately.