The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has long advocated for improving the quality of health care and the nation’s health and has recognized the importance of a robust health information infrastructure in realizing that vision. A recent report acknowledged the impetus provided by the creation in 2004 of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and applauded the Department’s 10-year goal for creation of the National Health Information Infrastructure and the high priority given to the creation of standards.

This report responds to a request by ONC for IOM to convene a Committee of experts (the Committee) to review and comment on the pace and cohesion of the standards activities it coordinates.