Michigan has taken steps to implement a health information technology infrastructure within the state.  The law requires the creation of a Health Information Technology Commission with the responsibility of facilitating and promoting the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure within the state. The Commission is comprised of members representing health information technology, various medical specialties, and consumer interests. The Commission must address the areas of interoperability, functionality, and connectivity, security, certification, electronic health records, and consumer safety, privacy and quality of care.1          

Another way that Michigan is using health information technology is through the establishment of a Comprehensive Health Information System.  The purpose of the system is to collect, analyze, and utilize data and health statistics.2 The type of data the Comprehensive Health Information System collects should include statistics covering causes, effects and extent of disease or illness throughout the state, the impact of the disease on the state and the well being of others, environmental, social and other health hazards, determinants of health and nutritional practice, health resources, the utilization of hospitals, ambulatory care, and health care costs and financing.3  The state must also establish an Information Network Office to facilitate the development of a nonprofit data corporation, develop telemedicine initiatives, and create an information exchange.4