Process Begins To Define "Meaningful Use" of Electronic Health Records

Important First Step To Expand the Use of Information Technology To Improve the Health and Care of Every American

Building on the historic $19 billion investment provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), efforts continue to further the national adoption and implementation of health information technology—an essential tool to modernize the health care system and bring about improved health for all Americans.

The Health Information Technology Policy Committee, a Federal Advisory Committee to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), met yesterday to begin the process of defining "meaningful use" of electronic health records. This meeting is a first step for the Department as it investigates possible definitions for meaningful use.

"We are moving fast to achieve the President's goal to improve the health and well-being of every American through the ongoing use of health information technology," stated HHS National Coordinator for Health Information Technology David Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.P. "The work of the policy committee is a first step toward assuring that technology—the electronic health record—is used in a meaningful way to provide better patient care."

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A public comment period on the recommendations of "meaningful use" will be open through the close of business on Friday, June 26, 2009.

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