Electronic medical records grants face challenges

Medical technologists and lobbyists say a number of challenges stand in the way of the healthcare industry's move toward widespread use of electronic medical records, despite a billion-dollar commitment from President Obama for the effort. Policy makers must figure out the standards by which doctors and hospitals will be eligible for the money, as well as how to protect the privacy of patients as sensitive data is shared between facilities. The grants, which were announced Thursday, include $598 million to set up around 70 health information technology centers to help healthcare institutions purchase electronic record systems. Another $564 million will go toward developing a nationwide system of health information networks.