HHS keeps health net options open

Guest writes “”HHS is looking for a Red Hat for the NHIN,” Pico said. Red Hat sells and maintains and open-source version of the Linux open-source operating system software. Pico said HHS is looking for a vendor to do the same for the underlying code for the NHIN. The NHIN request for proposals asks vendors to design and develop a prototype network that could operate in three health care markets.

The proposal states that the prototype must be suited to real world health care environments, such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics and labs. Vendors must demonstrate how their prototypes would exchange electronic health record (EHR) information among health care providers in different settings.

If HHS does not receive an open source bid, the department will dissolve the set aside and reserves the right to award six non-open-source contracts, according to the amendment.”