ASQ Offers Comments on Effective Implementation of Electronic Health Records

MILWAUKEE, June 26, 2009 –ASQ today submitted comments on electronic health record provisions (PDF, 144 KB) in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the federal office coordinating health information technology policy.

The act provides for reimbursement incentives for physician and hospitals providers who successfully become "meaningful users" of electronic health records. The act, however, did not define what is meant by "meaningful use."

ASQ’s comments offered principles and guidelines for meaningful use and a set of nonclinical metrics to complement clinical measures in gauging effective implementation of electronic health records. 

The comments, contained in a letter from ASQ President Roberto Saco, stated "To be considered to be in 'meaningful use' the technology must be effective not only clinically, but operationally in helping to reduce costly operational and administrative errors, waste, and redundancy."

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in Washington, D.C., requested public comments on the act.