Registration Opens for EMR Incentive Program

A look at the week of January 3, 2011, in public advocacy for the IT channel

This week, the Defense Department is launching a program to exchange employees with private sector contractors in order to increase workers’ experience and knowledge of the cybersecurity field.  Registration for the EMR incentive program, developed as part of the 2009 economic stimulus package, opens this week.  Smaller companies plan to expand use of cloud computing technology to take advantage of lower costs and more security.

Defense Department and Private Industry Exchange Cyber Workers — The Defense Department is launching a pilot program that will send information technology employees to private companies in an effort to improve the government's IT expertise, particularly in cybersecurity, says The Washington Post. The program comes at a time when both government and industry are intensifying their focus in the cybersecurity field. The military has established the new U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, while area contractors have been busy acquiring smaller, more specialized cyber companies and building cyber-devoted centers.

Registration Opens for EMR Incentive Program — This week, registration began for healthcare professionals and hospitals to participate in the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicare and Medicaid electronic health records incentive programs. Nextgov.com reports that doctors who adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health records will be eligible for significant Medicaid payments and Medicare bonuses from the 2009 economic stimulus package.

Small Companies Look to Cloud for Savings in 2011 — A growing number of small business owners are expected to try cloud computing services next year, hoping to trim costs and maintain their functionality if disaster strikes. According to The Wall Street Journal, several surveys reveal that some business owners are hesitant to try cloud computing because they don't want to stray from familiar systems or invest in new ones. However, some owners that have made the switch say it has been a boon to their cash-strapped firms.