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Nora Belcher
Executive Director at Texas e-Health Alliance
Nora Belcher is a prominent figure in the field of healthcare technology and policy, serving as the Executive Director of the Texas e-Health Alliance (TeHA).12 She is widely recognized as one of the state's leading experts in telemedicine policy and healthcare advocacy.12
Professional Background
Nora founded TeHA in 2009 as a non-profit advocacy group to give health information technology stakeholders a voice in public policy.2 Under her leadership, the organization has grown to become the state's leading advocate for the use of information technology to improve the healthcare system for patients, operating from local communities to the national level.12
Accomplishments
Legislative Achievements:: Nora has played a crucial role in shaping healthcare policy in Texas:
- In 2017, she helped broker an agreement that led to the passage of Senate Bill 1107, removing barriers to widespread adoption of telemedicine.2
- In 2019, she contributed to the passage of SB 670 and HB 1063, expanding Medicaid reimbursement for telemedicine, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring.2
- In 2021, she led efforts resulting in the passage of HB 4, which made many telemedicine and telehealth services implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic a permanent part of the state's regulatory framework.2
Prior Experience:: Before founding TeHA, Nora spent five years in the Texas capitol, representing then-Governor Rick Perry in healthcare policy matters.2 During this time, she:
- Led major reform efforts in Medicaid
- Oversaw the creation of the state's health information exchange
- Played a key role in reorganizing Texas's health and human services system2
National Roles
Nora holds important positions at the national level:
- Chair of the Sequoia Project's Emergency Preparedness Workgroup
- Member of the Advisory Committee for the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law2
Expertise and Influence
Nora is highly sought after as a speaker and consultant on healthcare issues, working with entities at both state and federal levels.2 Her expertise in health information technology and government contracting for essential services has proven valuable for leaders crafting effective healthcare policy.2
Education
Nora holds a bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin.12
Personal Interest
As an interesting side note, Nora owns hardcover first editions of "Dune" and "Game of Thrones".2