HHS awards $100M for pediatric e-health records

The Health and Human Services Department is investing in the development of pediatric electronic health records in 18 states.

Pediatric electronic health records are getting a boost from the Health and Human Services Department. HHS is handing out $100 million in grants to states through 10 awards for innovations in children’s health data.

Eight of the 10 awardees will collect and analyze data on children’s health care quality measures. HHS’ eventual aim is to establish a nationwide system for measuring the performance of children’s health care providers.

The five-year grants will be applied to health information technology used for children enrolled in Medicaid and the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program. The 10 grants will go to individual states and groups of states, with a total of 18 states receiving funding.

“Exploring new technologies and initiatives will help ensure our kids get the high-quality care they need and deserve,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement announcing the awards Feb. 22.