Senate passes electronic health record bill in unanimous, bi-partisan vote

Senate passes electronic health record bill in unanimous, bi-partisan vote

Improving Health Information Technology Act calls for transparent ratings on EHR usability and security, among other measures.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Tuesday passed the bipartisan Improving Health Information Technology Act with a vote of 22-0.

The bill addresses electronic health record usability and seeks to reduce burdens tied to documentation. It also calls for transparent ratings on EHR usability and security, calls out information blocking and gives the Department of Health of Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General the authority to establish deterrents.

The legislation, which moves to the full Senate, also promises to convene existing data-sharing networks to develop a voluntary model framework and common agreement for the secure exchange of health information across existing networks.

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