Health information technology bill passes House subcommittee.

Legislation to improve the safety and qualify of health care Americans receive passed this month by the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.

The Health Information Technology (IT) Promotion Act of 2006 will help create systems that prevent harmful prescription errors and costly duplicate tests, eliminate lost medical records and significantly improve the treatment of chronic illnesses and knowledge of what works, according to Health Subcommittee Chairman Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.), sponsor of the legislation.

The bill will help reduce costs and tackle key obstacles that are slowing the growth, use and confidential exchange of clinical health …