Reports to Congress

Annual Update on the Adoption of a Nationwide System for the Electronic Use and Exchange of Health Information

This report responds to HITECH section 3001(c)(3) requirement for an annual report that describes the specific actions that have been taken by the federal government and private entities to facilitate the adoption of a nationwide system for the electronic use and exchange of health information; describes barriers to the adoption of such a nationwide system; and describes efforts to gather and use recommendations to achieve full implementation of such a nationwide system.

Summary of the Public Health Immunization Data and Consumer Access Pilot Projects [PDF - 1.2 MB] - 2018. 
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is providing this final report to the Senate Committee on Appropriations in accordance with Senate Report 114-274, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2017.

Report on Interoperability Measurement and Progress to National Goals - Ongoing. MACRA 106(b)(1) requires ONC to establish a strategy and metrics by July 1, 2016 to assess whether Congress’s goal for widespread health information interoperability has been achieved by December 2018, and if the goal has not been achieved a Report to Congress identifying barriers by December 31, 2019.

Strategy for Developing a Measurement Framework [PDF - 264 KB] - June 2016

Report on the Feasibility of Mechanisms to Assist Providers in Comparing and Selecting Certified EHR Technology Products [PDF - 662 KB] - April 2016. This report responds to MACRA section 106(b) requirement for ONC to submit a Report to Congress identifying mechanisms to assist providers in comparing and selecting certified EHR technology products. The report includes information on the benefits of, and resources needed to develop and maintain, such mechanisms.

Health information blocking [PDF – 663 KB] - April 2015. The report responds to requirements in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 for ONC to produce a report within 90 days of enactment on the extent of health information blocking and a comprehensive strategy to address it. The report covers the technical, operational and financial barriers to interoperability, the role of certification in advancing or hindering interoperability across various providers. Information blocking occurs when persons or entities knowingly and unreasonably interfere with the exchange or use of electronic health information. This report provides principled and practical criteria for identifying such conduct and distinguishing it from other barriers to interoperability and health information exchange.

Quality Incentives for Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics and Free Clinics [PDF - 1.3 MB] - January 2012. The report discusses initiatives and incentives for improving health care quality in primary care clinics and the current knowledge regarding quality of care and the use of health information technology in this sector. The report particularly addresses issues related to the use of health information technology by these clinics.