What does the HITECH Act promote?

The HITECH Act, which stands for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, was enacted in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Its primary aim is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. This includes the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and the improvement of healthcare quality and efficiency through technology.

The term "meaningful use" specifically refers to a set of criteria established to guide healthcare providers in effectively utilizing EHRs to improve patient care. Providers who demonstrate meaningful use are eligible for financial incentives under Medicare and Medicaid. This act not only encourages the use of technology but also aims to enhance patient safety, coordination of care, and secure access to patient information.

While the other options address important aspects of healthcare, they are not the primary focus of the HITECH Act. For instance, patient medication adherence is a broader healthcare concern that can be influenced by technology but is not the central goal of HITECH. Increased nurse staffing ratios and the reduction of healthcare costs are critical issues in the healthcare system that are affected by various factors, but they do not relate directly to the objectives laid out in the HITECH Act. Therefore, the promotion of meaningful use