Maria's Monday Memo

Maria's Monday Memo

Senator Maria Cantwell's Weekly Update for Washington State

Reducing Medical Errors and Saving Lives with New Technology

We know America has the best doctors in the world, and here in Washington state, we also have some of the best hospitals with the most advanced technology. This technology can help our doctors in the operating room, but it can also help them quickly access medical records and test results, information that will help them make split-second life-or-death decisions, and avoid medical errors.

A study by the Institute of Medicine estimates that 98,000 lives are lost every year because of medical errors, making it the 8th leading cause of death in America .

Key to reducing these medical errors is making sure that hospitals, community health clinics, and local physicians have access to health information technology. That is why I joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Health Information Technology Improvement Act . As the vast majority of healthcare in America is delivered by small physician practices, the legislation will provide funding to help smaller providers access this technology.

While we want doctors and patients to have quick access to medical information, we must make sure that our privacy is always protected. That is why this legislation establishes national standards to govern how information is shared among healthcare providers, making security and privacy a top priority.

Last week I visited three hospitals in Washington state: Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane , Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver , and Swedish Medical Center in Seattle . The medical professionals at these leading hospitals showed me the information technology they are already using, including TelePharmacies, an electronic intensive care unit, and wireless handheld computers for nurses and doctors so medical records can be immediately updated and accessed. By using this innovative technology, hospitals can share information with other providers in rural areas, and ensure that access to healthcare is a reality all across our state.

The U.S. currently ranks 13 th out of the 16 most developed countries when it comes to using technology to manage our healthcare records. My legislation would improve healthcare information technology systems that could drastically reduce medical error, saving lives and $140 billion annually. I'll keep you updated as this important legislation is considered by the Senate.
Teaming-Up to Fight the Meth Epidemic

Last week the National Association of Counties announced that methamphetamines topped the list of drug problems in 60 percent of counties nationwide. This terrible drug has been a problem in Washington for several years, and it's not going away anytime soon.

That's why I introduced two important pieces of legislation to fight the meth epidemic: the Arrest Methamphetamine Act , which provides communities with a stable federal funding source to assist in their local fights against meth, and the Methamphetamine and Identity Theft Study Act , which authorizes a comprehensive, national investigation of the link between identity theft and methamphetamine crimes.

On Sunday, I joined Congressman Dave Reichert at the Bellevue Police Department to talk with local law enforcement officials about the meth epidemic, their efforts to fight it, and how the federal government can help. I am happy to report that Congressman Reichert announced at that meeting that he will introduce companion legislation to my bills in the House of Representatives.

In addition to the roundtable discussion on Sunday, I've held meetings across Washington state with law enforcement officials to discuss their local efforts to fight meth abuse. Everyone knows the fight against meth is going to take a long time to win, but by ensuring that our local law enforcement officials have the tools they need, it's a fight we can win.
Tsunami Preparedness Legislation Passes Senate

After the Indian Ocean Tsunami tragedy in December, I introduced legislation to improve America 's tsunami warning systems. The Tsunami Preparedness Act includes several measures I pushed in the Commerce Committee to directly help our coastal communities prepare for a tsunami disaster.

I am happy to report that the Senate has passed this important legislation.

Our state and local authorities have made great gains in recent months toward updating and improving their local warning systems and evacuation plans. But there's still work to be done. I hope the House of Representatives quickly passes this legislation, so we can get our communities the tools they need to improve and refine their emergency preparedness.
Visiting Washington , D.C. ?

Are you planning to visit Washington , D.C. ? If so, I would welcome the opportunity to meet you. On Thursday, July 14, at 8:30 a.m., I will host one of my regular coffees for constituents in my Washington , D.C. , office. If you will be in the nation's capital and would like to attend, please call my office at (202) 224-3441, or fill out a reservation form online by visiting my web site at http://cantwell.senate.gov/services/coffee.html .

http://cantwell.senate.gov/updates/weekly_update.html