Show Support for a National Patient Identification Strategy on Patient ID Day

HIMSS, a founding member of the Patient ID Now Coalition, invites members, chapters and the health IT community to join us for Patient ID Day on Nov. 18, and urge the senate to allow for a national strategy around patient identification to improve patient safety and outcomes.

Patient ID Day is a virtual advocacy day on Capitol Hill to support removing the ban on a unique patient identifier (UPI) and promote a nationwide patient matching strategy. Take action, and join the grassroots campaign to support patient identification efforts by asking your Senators to repeal section 510 of the Labor-HHS appropriations bill.

In July, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment to remove Section 510, the language in the House Labor-HHS appropriations bill that prohibits the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using federal funds to promote or adopt a unique patient identifier. Now the Senate must follow.

By removing this language, HHS would have greater flexibility to engage with the healthcare community to evaluate a range of patient identification solutions that protect patient privacy and are cost-effective, scalable and secure.