Recent events make this report both timely and urgent. They have dramatically underscored the importance of an effective, comprehensive health information infrastructure that links all health decisionmakers, including the public. Based on public hearings about the NHII, the Committee has determined that Federal leadership, under the . Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the most important missing ingredient that could accelerate and coordinate progress on the NHII. Its recommendations therefore include specific proposals for HHS oversight and coordination, supportive action by Congress, and appropriate efforts by other organizations. The latter include State and local governments, healthcare providers, health plans and purchasers,.
