What is the main purpose of the HITECH Act?

The primary objective of the HITECH Act is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (health IT), which includes e-prescribing. This legislation was designed to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare by encouraging healthcare providers and entities to utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and related technologies. By incentivizing the meaningful use of these technologies, the HITECH Act aims to enhance healthcare delivery, increase patient safety, and streamline processes across the healthcare continuum.

While limiting healthcare costs, regulating premiums, and simplifying access to health information are important aspects of healthcare reform, they are not the core focus of the HITECH Act. Instead, this legislation specifically provides the framework for advancing the use of health IT, helping to ensure that healthcare providers can leverage technology effectively to improve patient care and operational efficiency.