The HIT Policy Committee is suppose to unveil its recommendations on the definition of "Meaningful Use" of electronic health records (EHRs) on June 16th, reports Health Data Management.  Any approved definition of "Meaningful Use" would then be forwarded to the Office of National Coordinator for further consideration.  

What will constitute "Meaningful Use" of an EHR has been the subject of much debate and speculation lately because it is a necessary condition that hospitals and physicians must meet in order to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  ARRA initially describes “Meaningful Use” to include:

• The use of a certified EHR with ePrescribing capability;
• The ability to report on clinical quality measures; and  
• The use of EHR technology that allows electronic exchange of patient health information.

Further information with regard to required standards, reporting and connectivity levels are to be determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Final Rule on the initial definition of "Meaningful Use" is due out by the end of 2009, so stay tuned….