This article identifies and discusses issues related to jails' participation in the Federal Government's incentive programs designed to promote the adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems, which are commonly referred to as "meaningful use."
"Meaningful use" is the linchpin of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, which were established under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. It provides incentive payments to eligible providers that adopt and demonstrate "meaningful use" of certified EHR technology. Providers demonstrate "meaningful use" by attesting to certain criteria for different stages of "meaningful use." A few correctional health services have recently begun participation in "meaningful use." Others are considering it, and others are pursuing plans to acquire and implement EHR systems associated with "meaningful use," even though they do not intend to participate in the Federal program. After providing an overview of "meaningful use" provisions and incentives, emphasizing its use for health care provided in jails, this article discusses the benefits and difficulties of participation in the program by jail health-care providers. It also outlines the steps that jail health care systems must take in order to participate in "meaningful use." Regarding benefits, "meaningful use" offers jails an opportunity not only to access Federal funds for needed EHR systems, but also to connect with the mainstream health care system and significantly improve the health of a high-risk, disenfranchised population. Jails, however, face serious obstacles to participation in "meaningful use," which was not designed with jails in mind. 21 notes