Privacy and security regulations work to ensure that the electronic exchange of health information is protected.
ONC HITECH programs help facilitate widespread use of electronic health records and offer on-the-ground support for providers.
New certification rules will help ensure that electronic health records meet providers’ needs and that systems are secure.
FACA committees, organized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provide advice on health IT issues to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
Why Health IT?
Health information technology (health IT) makes it possible for health care providers to better manage patient care through secure use and sharing of health information. Health IT includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) instead of paper medical records to maintain people's health information.
Improving Patient Care
With the help of health IT, health care providers will have:
Accurate and complete information about a patient's health. That way they can give the best possible care, whether during a routine visit or a medical emergency.
The ability to better coordinate the care they give. This is especially important if a patient has a serious medical condition.
A way to securely share information with patients and their family caregivers over the Internet, for patients who opt for this convenience. This means patients and their families can more fully take part in decisions about their health care.
Information to help doctors diagnose health problems sooner, reduce medical errors, and provide safer care at lower costs.
Improving Our Nation's Health Care System
Widespread use of health IT can also:
Make our health care system more efficient and reduce paperwork for patients and doctors.
Expand access to affordable care.
Build a healthier future for our nation.
What's New
ONC Permanent Certification Program for EHR Technology
Health IT Certification Bodies and Test Labs accredited for participation in the ONC Permanent Certification Program. Certification Bodies must be authorized by ONC. For more information visit
Early Tuesday morning, June 26, 2012, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) releases Version 2.1 of the Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL). This CHPL “dot release” introduces new and improved features. The most notable enhancement is new functionality supporting “Hybrid” Certification.
For details on this and other new features, please visit the CHPL.
Stage 2 Meaningful Use
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the release of proposed rules for meaningful use Stage 2. Learn more about the proposed rules
Dr. Farzad Mostashari Talks About Moving Health Care Into the Information Age on National Public Radio
National Public Radio’s Kojo Nnamdi interviewed Dr. Farzad Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Be sure to listen to the interview or review the transcript to learn more!
Achieving Meaningful Use
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a report showing that providers’ adoption of health IT has doubled in two years. The Secretary also announced new actions to speed the use of health IT in doctor’s offices and hospitals nationwide. Learn more.
ONC Grantee and Stakeholder Summit
The ONC Grantee and Stakeholder Summit was held on Nov. 17, 2011. The summit spotlighted health IT's achievements and challenges, and provided a forum for sharing insights across programs and stakeholders to improve health, health care, and reduce costs. Watch an archive of the webcast.
