EHR Implementation and Effects on Nursing Essay -- medical records, he

EHR Implementation Background The implementation of electronic health records (EHR) continues to make an impact on nursing and patient care throughout the country. As a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, all public and private healthcare providers were required to implement electronic health records in their facilities by January 1, 2014. By demonstrating â€Å"meaningful use† of the electronic medical record, facilities are able to maintain Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement levels. Providers who show that they are meeting the â€Å"meaningful use† criteria during EHR use will receive an incentive payment from Medicare and Medicaid. â€Å"Meaningful use† is â€Å"using certified technology in EHR implementation to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities; engage patients and families; improve care coordination; and maintain privacy and security of patient health information† (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2013). The federal government has encouraged EHR use in hopes that it will significantly improve patient care. There is the intent that electronic health records will allow any provider access to important patient health information no matter where the patient is, while â€Å"creating a comprehensive national electronic health information network that leads to a reduction in the duplication of tests, an improvement in the cost-effectiveness of interventions, and the ability to compile a comprehensive patient history† (McBride, Delaney, Tietze, 2012). While the implementation of EHR’s has good intent, an important question is, â€Å"How are the implementation of EHRs having an effect on emergency nursing and patient care?† Benefits of EHR Use in the Emergency Department Nurses are... ...ers to consider long-term benefits. (2012). ED Management, 24(3). Guterl, G. (2012, April 2). Motivating Meaningful Use on ADVANCE for Nurses. Retrieved February 18, 2013, from http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Features/Articles/Motivating-Meaningful-Use.aspx Kutney-Lee, A. (2011). The effect of hospital electronic health record on. NCBI, 41(11). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3236066/ McBride, S., Delaney, J., & Tietze, M. (2012). Health Information Technology and Nursing. American Journal of Nursing, 112(8). Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/pdf?AID=1402619&an=00152258-201301000-00010&Journal_ID=&Issue_ID= Meaningful Use - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2013, December 6). Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/EHRIncentivePrograms/Meaningful_Use.html