WASHINGTON – Pharmacists have been included in legislation intended to help small medical practices adopt healthcare information technology.

The Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act, an amendment introduced by House Subcommittee Chairwoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Pa.), makes provisions for state-licensed pharmacists and other healthcare providers to use a lending program for health IT. The program would provide reduced-cost loans guaranteed up to 90 percent, with a subsidized deferment period of up to three years.

The amendment was included in H.R.3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009, which was passed by the U.S. House Small Business Committee and is slated for vote by the full House.

Bruce T. Roberts, executive vice president and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association, which includes the owners of more than 22,700 independent community pharmacies, pharmacy franchises and chains, said the organization supports the amendment.

“Health information technology improves the quality of patient care because healthcare providers are able to operate in a more efficient and coordinated manner," he said. "Evidence suggests that these breakthroughs will also save our healthcare delivery system money, but the upfront investments in technology are not inconsequential for small business owners who are already focused on their present daily operating challenges.”

“The timing of this financial assistance is especially appreciated with the federal government’s drive to have system-wide use of electronic health records in a few years. Now pharmacists can focus on helping to create a system that works for everybody and not worry about the implementation costs of participation,” he added.