June 8, 2006

Michigan has been recognized for its commitment to improving patient safety and efficiency in the drug prescription process with the first-annual SafeRx Award, presented by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and SureScripts.

"We are extremely honored to receive this recognition," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "It is an honor for the state of Michigan to be recognized for not only its dedication to the citizens of Michigan but also for its commitment to improving patient safety and the efficiency of the prescribing process."

Promoting the use of health information technology – such as e-prescribing – as a means to improve health care quality and to ultimately reduce health care costs is a top priority for Governor Granholm and is part of the Governor's plan to revolutionize Michigan's health care system.

The state of Michigan was one of the top 10 e-prescribing states in the nation who demonstrated outstanding leadership through their use of electronic prescribing technology. SafeRx recognizes how e-prescribing enhances patient safety by providing a more secure and accurate prescribing process.

Results were based on an analysis of data from new prescriptions and refill responses electronically transmitted over the SureScripts Electronic Prescription Network. States were ranked based on the number of prescriptions routed electronically in 2005 as a percentage of the total number of prescriptions eligible for electronic routing.

Factors contributing to Michigan's Top 10 finish included the following efforts:

· Henry Ford Health System & Health Alliance Plan - Piloted the first implementation of the Southeast Michigan e-Prescribing Initiative (SEMI) to cut prescription costs and improve quality; now a system-wide initiative engaging 300 primary care physicians in 24 Henry Ford medical centers.

· Southeast Michigan E-Prescribing Initiative (SEMI) – A collaborative effort between the Big Three Automakers (General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and DaimlerChrysler Corp), Michigan health plans and Medco Health Solutions aimed at addressing medication errors and the subsequent effect on health care quality and costs.

For more information on the SafeRx Award, please go to http://www.surescripts.com/saferx_faqs.htm. To learn more about e-prescribing in Michigan, go to www.GetRxConnected.com/MI/patients.