Brailer Resigns from Post

The resignation of David Brailer, MD, PhD, national coordinator for health information technology (IT), will not impede the move towards national adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). Appointed by George W. Bush in May 2004, Dr. Brailer said that his original plan was "to come and stay for 2 years, and that is what I have done."

During his tenure, Dr. Brailer made significant progress in health IT. For example, he:

• Established the American Health Information Community—a 17-member panel representing large employers, technology companies, and government officials, to foster the adoption of health IT nationwide
• Awarded contracts for $18.6 million to 4 consortia to develop prototypes for a national infrastructure to support EHRs
• Started programs to reduce roadblocks to privacy, security, and interoperability that delay widespread use of IT
• Announced plans to commence projects in biosurveillance, EHRs, chronic care management, and consumer empowerment

Dr. Brailer will be chairing the search effort to find candidates for his position. Until a successor is chosen, the work of the Office of the National Coordinator will continue under the 4 permanent directors of the office.