Northern Virginia Regional Health Information Organization
The Northern Virginia Regional Health Information Organization (NoVaRHIOsm) works to enhance the health status of those who live or work in Northern Virginia and the quality of their health care by facilitating secure, reliable and timely access to and exchange of accurate electronic and other health records. A critical and significant part of this important community initiative is maintaining and enhancing the privacy and security of health information.
Incorporated in August of 2007, NoVaRHIO, a Virginia not for profit organization, is chaired by William Hazel, MD. It serves an area approximating the boundries of Planning District 8. Participants include: area physicians, nursing and allied health care providers, hospitals, consumer advocacy groups, service group members, behavioral health providers, business leaders, pharmacy representatives, laboratory representatives, information technology providers, academic faculty, public health officials, elected officials, public sector leaders and long term care providers. George Mason University has facilitated this process by providing encouragement and assistance in planning and implementation. Jane Woods, State Health Policy & Community Development Liaison, Associate at George Mason and Professor J.P. Auffret, School of Management have been instrumental in coordinating this effort.
“The development of a health information organization is certainly a much-needed step in the right direction for residents of Northern Virginia,” said Dr. William Hazel, NOVARHIO Board Chairman. “We’ve been inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of potential stakeholders and the community at large as we’ve begun begun implement of several key initiatives.”
NoVaRHIO hosts quarterly plenary sessions open to all interested stakeholders. For upcoming dates and more information on NoVaRHIO, visit www.novarhio.org.
