Which law mandates the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in healthcare systems?

The law that mandates the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in healthcare systems is the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. This act was passed in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and specifically aimed to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology, including EHRs.

The HITECH Act provides financial incentives for healthcare providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. This includes criteria that healthcare providers must meet to qualify for incentive payments, thereby encouraging a shift from paper-based records to electronic formats. The overarching goal is to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of patient care through better health information technology.

Other options, while significant in healthcare policy, address different aspects of health care. HIPAA focuses mainly on the protection of patient privacy and the security of health information rather than dictating the use of EHRs. The Affordable Care Act primarily revolves around expanding healthcare coverage and implementing reforms within the healthcare system. The Medicare Modernization Act mainly introduced prescription drug benefits in Medicare, without specific mandates regarding EHR usage.

Thus, the HITECH Act is the key legislation that specifically mandates EHR use and incentivizes its adoption by healthcare providers,