Meaningful Use Feedback Requested

Dear InfoLinks CoP members

Many public health professionals are concerned that the HITECH Act does not sufficiently include public health’s participation in electronic health information exchange in its scope, or consider the importance of public health’s ability to participate in electronic health data exchange as part of its meaningful use standards. I would like to hear your concerns about the HITECH Act and your thoughts about how the implementation of “meaningful use standards” will impact your work and/or our CoP’s work.

In addition I need your ideas on how we could ensure that Public Health is heard and considered within the EHR certification standards process. That way we will be able to actively participate and increase our chances to be considered as providers.

The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) is asking for feedback. As your CoP’s Representative on the CoP Council, I am requesting your comments and concerns about the HITECH ACT, and how it will impact your work and our CoP’s work.

If you are unfamiliar with the Act, a detailed slide set about the HITECH Act is available at http://www.phii.org/resources/doc_details.asp?id=149

Please feel free to send me your comments as an e-mail, word document, or through phConnect  by COB Monday, February 8.

Thanks in advance for your feedback in this important process.