What is one of the primary purposes of the HITECH Act?

The HITECH Act, which stands for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with the primary goal of promoting the adoption of meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). Meaningful use has specific criteria that healthcare providers must meet to ensure that they are using EHRs in ways that significantly improve patient care and healthcare processes.

By incentivizing the adoption of EHRs and establishing a framework for meaningful use, the HITECH Act aimed to enhance the quality of care, improve patient safety, and streamline healthcare operations. Financial incentives were provided to eligible healthcare providers who demonstrated meaningful use of certified EHR technology. This approach encourages the integration of information technology in healthcare, which ultimately aims to lead to more efficient and effective care delivery.

The focus of the HITECH Act on meaningful use is crucial for advancing healthcare practices and ensuring that technology contributes positively to patient outcomes and healthcare efficiencies.