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Learn more about HHS’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
Regional Extension Centers RECs surpassed their goals to increase EHR adoption
Kimberly Lynch | February 13, 2014
Happy Birthday RECs!
This month marks the 4th birthday of the Regional Extension Center (REC) Program, and what a four years it’s been! We thought we’d take this chance to talk about some of the accomplishments that REC’s achieved in the past few years, and how their partnership with providers continues in leveraging health IT to improve care.
Electronic Health & Medical Records 2014 Edition EHR Certification Includes New Transparency Requirements
Steven Posnack | February 11, 2014
ONC’s 2014 Edition EHR Certification Criteria define the requirements that EHR technology must meet in order to be used by eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals (EHs), and critical access hospitals (CAHs) participating in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. In addition to these criteria, ONC made some policy changes to the HIT Certification Program.
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Privacy and Security ONC launches new challenge to create online notice of privacy practices
Joy Pritts | February 10, 2014
Thanks to the HIPAA Privacy Rule patients have the right to be informed of their rights with respect to their protected health information as well as how their health care providers and health plans may use and disclose such information. Health plans and health care providers are required to develop and distribute a written notice that provides a clear, user-friendly explanation of these rights and practices. These are known as Notices of Privacy Practices (NPP) and may be on paper or online.
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Consumer Engagement Leading Pharmacies and Retailers Join Blue Button Initiative
Nick Sinai | February 7, 2014
Today, as part of the growing movement to help customers access and securely share their own health information, several of the Nation’s largest retail pharmacy chains and associations are pledging to support the Blue Button initiative—a public-private partnership between the health care industry and the Federal Government that aims to empower all Americans with access to their own electronic health information. These steps will help patients access their prescription information and further empower millions of Americans to better manage their healthcare.
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FACA, Federal Advisory Committees Make a difference in Health IT Policy and Help Set the Standards
Michelle Consolazio | February 5, 2014
Join one of our federal advisory committees and be a part of what has been called one of the most open and transparent panels in government.
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