Patient quality improvements a must for obtaining federal EHR stimulus fund, urge members of Congress

Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D, RI) and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D, TX) have taken the lead in urging their fellow members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require patient quality improvements as a prerequisite to obtaining federal electronic health record (EHR) stimulus funds.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law in February of this year by President Obama, authorized $34 billion in federal funds to reimburse healthcare providers who achieve “meaningful use” of “certified EHR technology.” HHS is currently drafting regulations that establish the criteria for the EHR technology that will be eligible for the stimulus funds.

Rick Kneipper, co-founder and chief administrative officer of PHNS in Dallas, said, “Congress has presented hospitals and physicians with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire state-of-the-art EHR systems with the help of economic stimulus funds. The issue is whether we use the funds for technology that simply electronically documents transactions, or whether we use these monies to take a giant leap forward in patient care. The HHS definition of ‘meaningful use’ is at the heart of everything.” Kneipper is also the founder of the Coalition for Improving Patient Care through Information Technology (www.cipcit.org). Kneipper worked with Congressman Kennedy and Congresswoman Johnson to urge their fellow colleagues and HHS to remain vigilant during the regulation writing process to ensure that Congress’ mandate to use EHR technology to advance patient care is met.

Congressman Patrick Kennedy wrote, “Although that commitment represented a giant step toward advancing the practice of medicine in our country, our work is not yet done. The regulations defining “meaningful use” and the criteria for “certified EHR technology” are critical for the improvement of patient care and quality. If we are to advance the quality of patient care in the United States, EHR technology must be linked to improved patient care, quality, and efficiency. ARRA funds and other support for health care information technology should be focused on improving quality.”

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson wrote to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius saying, “ARRA funds and other support for healthcare information technology should be focused on improving quality. Please ensure that regulations defining “meaningful use” and the criteria for “certified EHR technology” are critical for the improving of patient care and quality. This policy will steer HIT development toward improvements in patient quality, safety, and efficiency.”