WASHINGTON, D.C. -Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) today commented on the release of rules by the Administration clarifying incentives for adoption of health IT systems by health care providers. These incentives were part of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
“By moving our health records system into the 21st Century, we can save money and save lives," said Chairman Levin. “These guidelines are a good balance, pushing providers to adopt and use health IT systems while recognizing the current limitations of these systems. Except for the outstanding issue relating to the multi-campus system, the rule issued today will help improve the quality of care and coordination among providers, both of which are critical to efforts to reform the delivery system."
“Health IT systems are critical to the future of health care," said Health Subcommittee Chairman Stark. “Next week, the Health Subcommittee will look at how the Recovery Act will help providers adopt health IT systems. The Administration's rules did not address incentives to separate campuses of a multi-campus system. We will study future steps to address this issue."
