OCHIN leader appointed to national health care IT advisory committee

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government Accountability Office announced today that Abby Sears, president and chief executive officer of OCHIN, a national health technology nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, has been appointed to the federal Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC). HITAC advises national policy makers on how to safely advance electronic access, exchange, and use of health information nationwide.

OCHIN provides health care IT services and support to more than 500 community health centers nationwide, serving 10,000 clinicians and over 5 million patients. In 2019, more than 34 million patient summaries have moved across OCHIN's health information exchange network. OCHIN members treat patients in historically underserved communities, helping maintain America's health care safety net.

"My perspective is shaped by 20 years at OCHIN delivering powerful health technology, services, and research to ensure every community has access to the best care. I'm honored to serve on HITAC and to help elevate the needs and voices of patients and providers that often go unheard," Sears said.

"Ms. Sears is a leader in both the nonprofit and health information technology fields," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in his letter of recommendation to HITAC. "She is particularly passionate about ensuring that underserved patients and the health centers and providers that care for them are understood and represented as we make technology, policy, clinical, and operational decisions that impact their care."

"We are confident that Ms. Sears will ensure that the needs and challenges faced by safety net providers and their patients are represented. Her knowledge of a broad range of safety net providers, combined with her passion and expertise for using technology to improve access to high-quality health services, make her well prepared to contribute to HITAC," said David Taylor, CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers, in his letter of recommendation.

Under Sears' leadership, OCHIN has grown into a national network serving not only health centers but also public health departments and correctional facilities, using technology and data to innovate and transform health care while meeting federal, state, and industry standards for health care delivery, quality, and cost control. With her service to HITAC, Sears sees information technology and innovation as a tool to reduce burden on health care providers and improve how care is delivered. For example, one of OCHIN's priorities is to increase telehealth opportunities in communities that lack adequate access to health care providers and specialists.

About OCHIN

OCHIN is dedicated to creating a healthier future in every community. A national nonprofit health IT organization with a 20-year history, OCHIN brings advanced technology, research, and services to historically underserved areas, both urban and rural. A driving force for health equity, OCHIN empowers community health organizations, so they can deliver the highest quality care to their patients. Learn more about OCHIN at www.ochin.org.

About HITAC

The Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC) was established in the 21st Century Cures Act. HITAC will recommend to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology policies, standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria relating to the implementation of a health information technology infrastructure, nationally and locally, that advances the electronic access, exchange, and use of health information.

Contact: Jennifer Stoll, 503.943.5787, [email protected]

SOURCE OCHIN