BALTIMORE – Gov. Martin O'Malley outlined a new vision for positioning Maryland as a national leader for health IT during a roundtable forum of industry leaders and experts, which convened on Tuesday to discuss healthcare reform and innovation in the state.

The forum was led by O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and was made up of stakeholders including medical system presidents, hospital CEOs and state officials.

"Our healthcare sector is projected to grow by more than 20 percent by 2018, when it will employ a projected 264,000 people in our state.  There is a clear connection between the health of our fellow citizens, and the health of jobs and our economy," said O'Malley.  "Advancing our vision for health IT will further this progress, and help us advance toward our goals for creating and saving jobs, and improving the quality of care in our state while reigning in costs."

In 2008, more than 219,000 jobs existed in Maryland's healthcare field. By 2018, experts predict that figure will grow to nearly 264,000, representing a growth rate of more than 20 percent over a 10 year period. A strong health IT sector in Maryland has the potential to create even more jobs for Maryland's hardworking families, according to officials.

O'Malley's plan to continue to strengthen this sector is based on three parts:

1. Creating a statewide network of health information, including the establishment of a safe, secure method for the exchange of health information, putting the interests of patients first.

O'Malley and Brown have set a goal for Maryland to become a national leader in health IT by 2012 by developing a statewide HIE and promoting the adoption of EHRs among providers. By 2012, the administration aims to have universal compliance by all healthcare providers in the state.

"Developing a successful exchange model using electronic health records will enable Maryland to set the foundation for effective implementation of health reform and bring the healthcare industry into the 21st century," said Governor Brown. "We will continue to work with our partners across Maryland and throughout the region to ensure that we are improving treatment for patients, preventing administrative and medical errors, and reducing healthcare costs through health information technology."

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