Which of the following is included in the ARRA of 2009?

The choice regarding HITECH, which includes meaningful use incentives for electronic health records (EHRs), is correct because the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was a significant component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This legislation aimed to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. Specifically, HITECH allocated substantial funding to incentivize healthcare providers and hospitals to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology, thereby driving improvements in healthcare delivery and patient care.

Meaningful use sets criteria for the effective use of EHRs, ensuring that electronic systems contribute to improved patient outcomes, enhanced coordination of care, and overall efficiency within the healthcare system. By incentivizing the deployment of EHRs through financial rewards, the ARRA sought to accelerate the transition from paper-based records to electronic systems, ultimately aiming for a more interoperable and data-driven healthcare environment.

The other options do not accurately reflect the components included in the ARRA. For instance, increased taxes on medical devices and direct funding for hospital construction were not part of the HITECH framework focused on EHR use. Additionally, Medicaid expansion for all ages is related more to the Affordable Care Act rather than the