Health IT panel to consider 'meaningful use' definition

The Health IT Policy Committee is expected to consider a definition for 'meaningful use' of records on June 16.

The federal Health Information Technology Policy Committee is expected to consider a definition for  “meaningful use” of electronic health records (EHRs) at its June 16 meeting, according to a report.

John Glaser, senior special adviser to the Health and Human Services Department’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, said a workgroup to the policy committee would reveal its recommendations at that meeting, according to a report by Health Data Management.

Under the economic stimulus law, hospitals and doctors must show meaningful use of EHRs to qualify for some of the $17 billion in incentive payments. HHS is expected to publish a final rule on meaningful use by year’s end.

Congress created the policy committee, along with a health IT standards committee, to advise HHS on the rule and on other policies for implementing the law.