Health Information Technology
Many hospitals and health systems have been pioneers in harnessing the opportunity of information technology (IT) to improve patient care and quality. We are now challenged to extend the use of IT and integrate it into routine care processes in hospitals big and small, in both rural and urban areas. On the federal level, the Administration and Congress have prioritized adoption of IT, and in particular electronic health records (EHRs). On the state level, the Governor and her administration have identified the adoption of health information technology as a strategy to address issues of access quality, safety and cost effectiveness.
ARRA - American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Summary of the Economic Stimulus Legislation. A large part of the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 focused on provisions for the adoption of health information technology and electronic health records.
Meaningful Use Defined
On Dec. 31, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a proposed regulation that defines "meaningful use" of electronic health records. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology issued an interim final rule that sets initial standards, specifications and certification criteria for EHR technology. These regulations set EHR adoption requirements that hospitals and physicians must meet to qualify for additional Medicare and Medicaid payments beginning in 2011 and avoid significant Medicare payment penalties beginning in 2015. Fact sheets have been developed by CMS for Meaningful Use, Medicaid and Medicare. Hospitals considered meaningful users of certified EHRs can receive financial assistance. Hospitals must be using "certified" EHR systems and ONC's interim regulation outlines standards and certification for meaningful use. Hospitals that are not meaningful users by 2015 will face Medicare payment penalties.
Kansas HIT/HIE Planning
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment; the state designee for health information technology, is facilitating the creation of strategic and operational plans for a statewide infrastructure for health information exchange. These plans will act as a blue print to a contemplated not-for-profit organization responsible for the deployment and operation of the Kansas HIE. To guide the planning and implementation process, KDHE has convened the e-Health Advisory Council to provide broad based stakeholders representation from 33 plus health care organizations.
Other Resources
If you have questions or need additional information regarding heath information technology, please contact Melissa Hungerford at or Sally Perkins at (785) 233-7436.
Electronic Health Record Planning Guide Booklets
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