Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Americans to Get Better Access to Electronic Health Records

Measures to make electronic health records easier for Americans to access and use were announced Monday by the White House.

The steps were agreed to and will be implemented by hospital systems, doctors’ groups and technology companies, the Associated Press reported.

“Now is the time for this data to be free and liquid and available,” Karen DeSalvo, head of the Health and Human Services department office overseeing the switch to electronic medical records, said.

The planned improvements include greater consumer access, no more blocking of health information sharing, and standards for secure, efficient digital communications, the AP reported.