Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which act provides incentives for the meaningful use of certified electronic health records?

1. HIPAA

2. HITECH Act

3. PPACA

4. CMS Regulations

The correct answer is: HITECH Act

The HITECH Act, or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, was established to promote the adoption and meaningful use of certified electronic health records (EHRs). It was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and specifically aimed at improving healthcare quality and efficiency through the use of health information technology. One of the main provisions of the HITECH Act is the introduction of financial incentives for healthcare providers who demonstrate meaningful use of EHRs. This means that healthcare professionals and institutions can receive payments from Medicare and Medicaid programs if they meet specific criteria that demonstrate they are effectively using EHR technology to enhance patient care. In contrast, while HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) focuses on protecting patient health information, it does not provide incentives for EHR use. The PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) primarily addresses healthcare coverage and access but does not specifically promote EHRs. CMS Regulations refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' regulatory framework but do not explicitly provide the incentives established by the HITECH Act for the meaningful use of EHRs.