Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the latest company to become a member of the North Carolina Healthcare Information and Communications Alliance.

NCHICA is focused on the use of information technology in healthcare with an emphasis on individual electronic records.

“Microsoft is committed to the healthcare industry and we want to be involved in addressing the common IT issues that our customers face,” said John Squire, Senior Director of US Health and Life Science Partners. “NCHICA is recognized for its national leadership on IT issues from interface standards to support privacy and security in compliance with HIPAA. Microsoft is committed to solving these issues together with our customers and partners and we see our NCHICA membership as a way of enriching that dialogue.”

NCHICA, which is based in RTP, has more than 300 members. It was formed in 1994.

“NCHICA and its members have been collaborating since 1994 to promote the use of information technology in healthcare, with a particular focus on the privacy and security of electronic health information,” said Holt Anderson, NCHICA’s executive director. “We are extremely pleased to have Microsoft join and support our collective initiatives. Their industry leadership and commitment to supporting a trustworthy environment will be a great asset to our efforts.”