11.11.11 The Louisiana State University Health System, which has operated with paper records to keep track of patient care, has launched what authorities promise will eventually grow into the nation's first public statewide electronic medical system.

Called PELICAN -- Patient Electronic Health Information and Care Network -- the system is online at LSU Health Shreveport, which includes a teaching hospital and associated clinics. It eventually will be expanded to include all of the system's public hospitals and affiliated clinics, including those in New Orleans. System spokesman Charlie Zewe said the entire system could be linked as early as next summer. A written release from the system promised full connection "over the next 18 months."