HIDI Tech Connect - May 28

HHS Posts Documents Describing Plans To Implement HIT Provisions Of ARRA
MHA Staff Contact: Theresa Rogers
(5/28/09)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services posted two documents to its Web site describing its plans for implementing the health information technology provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The plans provide a timeline and general overview of HHS’ plans but do not provide details on the definition of “meaningful use” of HIT.

The first document provides implementation plans for the HIT provisions of ARRA that directed $2 billion to be allocated, in part, to states for the establishment of HIT grant and loan programs and for entities that will become Regional Extension Centers. The document also provides a timeline and plans to fund and implement ARRA privacy, security, and standards provisions.

The second document highlights HHS’ plans for implementing the temporary Medicare and Medicaid HIT incentive payments authorized by ARRA to hospitals and non-hospital based physicians who are considered “meaningful users” of “certified” electronic health records.

Standards Committee Announces Process For Review Of Policy Recommendations
MHA Staff Contact: Theresa Rogers
(5/28/09)

As published in the May 26 Federal Register and in anticipation of recommendations developed by the HIT Policy Committee, the Standards Committee has created three subcommittees to analyze the areas of clinical quality, clinical operations, and privacy and security. The subcommittees will assess currently available standards and certification criteria, identify gaps where no standard is available or harmonization is required, and establish a timeline for the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Information about the HIT Standards Committee and the HIT Policy Committee is available on the HHS Web site.