The continuing integration of information technology into today's health care practices is a key component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (i.e., the federal stimulus bill), or ARRA. ARRA provides $19 billion to support and accelerate adoption of health information technology (HIT) systems by doctors and hospitals and calls for up to four years of Medicare incentive payments to hospitals using technology that meets the requirements of "meaningful use," which includes:

• ePrescribing;
• Exchanging electronic health information to improve the quality of care;
• Submitting clinical quality measures; and
• Other measures as selected by the Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius

The Shared Health® hospital-based HIE meets the meaningful use criteria. This is your opportunity to make the most of available federal funds designed to promote a more efficient health care system. In order to take advantage of these funds, your hospital must meet specific time frames as described in ARRA.

Learn more about:

	HHS Information on ARRA
	Health IT Law Blog
	American Hospital Association (AHA)
	Health Reform
	HIT Incentives and Grants
	White House Forum on Health Reform Report