The Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced the appointment of Charles Kennedy, M.D., vice president for Health Information Technology, WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP), to the Health Information Technology Policy Committee, a new advisory body established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. GAO, the investigative arm of Congress, helps meet legislators' needs for timely and reliable information on a wide range of government activities.

The Act, also known as the stimulus legislation, directed the Comptroller General to appoint 13 members to the committee for terms of three years. The committee will make recommendations on creating a policy framework for the development and adoption of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, including standards for the exchange of patient medical information.

As the only representative of health plans or other third-party payers, Dr. Kennedy will play a vital role in ensuring health care value will be effectively represented in the health I.T. component of health reform and in guiding the development of a new infrastructure for higher quality, more efficient care.

"I welcome the opportunity to help shape the nation's health I.T. infrastructure," said Dr…