CHIME Applauds House Bill that Makes Necessary Improvements to Meaningful Use Program

Statement from CHIME CEO and President Russell P. Branzell, FCHIME, CHCIO and CHIME Board of Trustees Chair Charles E. Christian, CHCIO, LCHIME, FCHIME

ANN ARBOR, MI, July 30, 2015 – We commend Congresswoman Renee Ellmers for introducing H.R. 3309 – the Further Flexibility in HIT Reporting and Advancing Interoperability Act or “Flex-IT 2 Act” – and appreciate her continued leadership on this critically important issue.

While CHIME remains committed to the success of Meaningful Use, and to making sure improved patient care is its lasting legacy, we believe significant changes are needed to address increased dissatisfaction with EHRs and growing provider dissatisfaction with the program. The introduction of the Flex-IT 2 Act serves to strengthen accountability and effectiveness of an e-enabled healthcare system and ensure long-term vitality of Meaningful Use.

There is no doubt that the EHR Incentive Payments program has been a vital and successful driver of health IT adoption nationwide, setting the foundation for better population health, improved care delivery and lower costs. However, the ongoing challenges with program implementation must be addressed. Our members believe in the intent and promise of Meaningful Use, but providers and hospitals alike have been hamstrung by its often overly prescriptive requirements. We view the Congresswoman’s legislation as an opportunity to reevaluate and reorient this vital program that will provide the digital infrastructure to support a 21^st century healthcare system.

We look forward to working with Congresswoman Ellmers, our membership, and colleague provider organizations toward the passage of this important bill.