KHI NEWS SERVICE

July 17, 2008



TOPEKA Fourteen people have been appointed to a new council that will advise the governor and the Kansas Health Policy Authority on health information technology.

The appointments were announced separately today by health policy authority officials and the governor"s office.

"Advancements in technology allow for more accurate consumer health information and better communication among medical providers," said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in a prepared statement, announcing her appointments. "Kansans deserve the benefits of these advancements and I"m pleased the E-Health Advisory Council will work to maximize opportunities in this area."

The governor"s appointees were:

* Karen Braman of Preferred Health Systems

* Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Roderick Bremby, as a non-voting member.

* Helen Connors, University of Kansas School of Nursing

* Jacqueline John, vice president of the Great Plains Health Alliance

* Brett Klausman, vice president of Midwest Health Management

* Dennis Lauver, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

* Larry Pitman, president and CEO of the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care

* Maren Turner, director of Kansas AARP

The health policy authority appointments were:

* Marcia Nielsen, executive director of the health policy authority, as a non-voting member

* Dr. Jennifer Brull of Prairie Star Family Practice

* Amy Campbell, Kansas Mental Health Coalition

* David Cook, assistant vice chancellor of external affairs, University of Kansas Medical Center

* Lynda Farwell, manager of patient financial services, Cotton O"Neil Clinic

* Cathy Harding, executive director of the Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved

* Marta Linenberger, an attorney at Foulston Siefkin

* William Wallace, vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

The council was developed at the governor"s request to provide guidance on policy issues related to Health Information Technology (HIT) and the Health Information Exchange (HIE).

The council"s first meeting is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 10, in conference rooms E'F at the health policy authority offices on the 9th floor of the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson St., Topeka.

For more information on the E-Health Advisory Council, visit: http://www.khpa.ks.gov/QandI/default.htm