A resolution designating the week beginning on September 12, 2011, and ending on September 16, 2011, as "National Health Information Technology Week" to recognize the value of health information technology in improving health quality.

Whereas healthcare information technology and management systems have been recognized as essential tools for improving patient care, ensuring patient safety, stopping duplicative tests and paperwork, and reducing health care costs;

Whereas the Center for Information Technology Leadership has estimated that the implementation of national standards for interoperability and the exchange of health information would save the United States approximately $77,000,000,000 in expenses relating to healthcare each year;

Whereas Congress has made a commitment to leveraging the benefits of healthcare information technology and management systems, including supporting the adoption of electronic health records that will help to reduce costs and improve quality while ensuring the privacy of patients;

Whereas Congress has emphasized improving the quality and safety of delivery of healthcare in the United States; and

Whereas since 2006, organizations across the United States have united to support National Health Information Technology Week to improve public awareness of the benefits of improved quality and cost efficiency of the healthcare system that the implementation of health information technology could achieve: Now, therefore, be it