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Senator Rob Wonderling Honored for his commitment to healthcare

(L-R): Bruce Marcolongo- DVHIMSS Chapter President, Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24), Barry Ross- WPAHIMSS Chapter President

HARRISBURG:  The Pennsylvania chapters of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) recognized State Senator Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery) on Monday, May 12 for his dedication to improving the health of Pennsylvanians by promoting the use of information technology in the care delivery process.

The award was presented as part of the inaugural “Pennsylvania Healthcare Information Technology Awareness Day” at the State Capitol, which was sponsored by HIMSS along with other 35 other co-sponsors from throughout the healthcare industry.

Senator Wonderling is the Majority Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and as such he has been dedicated to establishing the proper course for continued economic growth and development for all Pennsylvanians in the 21st century, including support of technological advances that will help make healthcare more effective and affordable. 

In his keynote address, Senator Wonderling commended the advocacy day participants, stressing that “we need to move with a greater sense of urgency" and continue to advocate passionately for positive change that will help sustain Pennsylvania.   “After all,” he reminded the audience, “it was William Penn who founded Pennsylvania and declared that "All the power resides with the people."  

Wonderling’s committee efforts include creating the Medical Safety Automation Fund, which provides matching grants up to $1 Million for health care providers to digitize records in an effort to reduce healthcare costs and eliminate medical errors. 

Senator Wonderling also formed the Pennsylvania Technology in Healthcare Working Group, which brings together state leaders in academia, technology, healthcare, and government for the purpose of finding ways in which the Commonwealth can better integrate and promote the use of technology in healthcare. 

Bruce Marcolongo, president of the Delaware Valley chapter, and Barry Ross, president of the Western Pennsylvania chapter, presided over the award ceremony.  Over 80 senior professionals from the healthcare industry visited 110 legislators throughout the day to share their experiences with how information technology, such as electronic medical records, has helped save lives and lower costs, and encourage broader adoption of healthcare technology throughout Pennsylvania.