When and how will standards be adopted to direct the implementation of EHR and health information technology systems?
The HITECH Act generally requires the National Coordinator to develop and propose standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria for EHRs and other components of a national health information infrastructure to the Secretary of HHS. An initial set of standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria must be adopted by December 31, 2009. These initial standards should address a number of areas, including the use of a “certified” EHR record by every individual by 2014; a national infrastructure to permit the electronic use and “accurate” exchange of health information; the use of EHRs to improve “quality of care”; and technologies to ensure the privacy and security of health information, ensure “the comprehensive collection of patient demographic data” and address “the needs of children and other vulnerable populations.” Ensuing recommendations from the National Coordinator must be reviewed by the Secretary within 90 days of receipt. Should healthcar
