HIDI Tech Connect - May 4

Witnesses Share Views On ‘Meaningful Use’
MHA Staff Contact: Theresa Rogers
(5/4/09)

Several witnesses recently shared their perspectives on “meaningful use” of health information technology with the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics. In its statement, the American Hospital Association said the concept of meaningful use should be flexibly defined because “if the criteria for meaningful use are first set too high, there will be limited movement toward the desired goal” of adopting health information technology. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives also shared its views with the committee.

The economic stimulus act outlines some of the conditions hospitals must satisfy to be “meaningful users.” The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must further clarify the definition through the rulemaking process. A proposed rule is expected later this year.