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For Immediate
Release
11/27/06
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Wonderling to Chair Hearing to Promote Technology Use
in Health Care for Seniors
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania
Communications and Technology Committee Chairman Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th)
will hold a hearing on November 28, 2006 to examine ways in which technology can
be used to improve the lives of senior citizens. The hearing will be held in
Room 461 of the Main Capitol in Harrisburg from 10 a.m. to noon.
This
is the last in a series of four hearings the committee is holding on the
issue of technology in healthcare. The hearing is part of a larger
initiative by the Health Care and Technology Working Group created by
Senator Wonderling in 2005 to find solutions to the increasing costs of
long-term institutional care for the elderly and disabled Medicaid
populations by better integrating technology as a means of keeping
people in their homes longer. The group is divided into four
subcategories. These are: telemedicine, disease prevention, management
and care coordination, adaptable living spaces and mobility, and
advocacy.
The
purpose of the November 28th hearing is for committee members to hear
from representatives of various state agencies and organizations
involved with the Governor's Long-Term Living initiative and examine how
technology is being utilized in the program.
The
information and recommendations provided at the hearings are the basis
for a bi-partisan legislative initiative for early next session that
will provide a "technology roadmap" for the Commonwealth's efforts in
assisting our elderly and disabled residents to stay in their homes and
communities longer.
The
previous three hearings focused on the following issues relating to
technology in healthcare: adaptable living spaces and mobility
(Pittsburgh); disease management and continuum of care (Montgomery
County); and telemedicine (Allentown). Each of these relates to how the
use of technology can positively affect escalating Medicaid costs,
advance patient safety, improve the quality of life for senior citizens,
and promote economic development within the Commonwealth.
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