Finding Meaning in Meaningful Use: Understanding the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and Its Impact on Nursing Practice

摘要

MEANINGFUL USE HAS become the newest buzzword in health care, particularly within the context of electronic health records (EHRs). Physicians and hospitals have been very engaged in the conversation, but nurses seem to have taken a backseat, not seeming to realize the critical role that they play in achieving the objectives of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This landmark legislation had its beginnings with President George W. Bush, who, in his 2004 State of the Union Address, explained how "by computerizing health records, we can avoid dangerous medical mistakes, reduce costs and improve care" (Bush, 2004, para. 51).