Proposed rulemaking issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on December 30, 2009 include EHR "meaningful use" definitions associated with hospital eligibility for ARRA incentives. As meaningful use criteria are finalized, it is apparent that hospitals and health systems will be expected to incorporate patient-centered IT solutions in order to qualify for stimulus funds.

It appears that by 2011, hospitals will be expected to:

• Provide patients with an electronic copy of their health information (including diagnostic test results, problem list, medication lists, allergies, discharge summary, procedures) upon request, providing electronic copies to at least 80% of all patients who request an electronic copy of their health information within 48 hours.
• Provide patients with an electronic copy of their discharge instructions and procedures at time of discharge, upon request, providing this information to at least 80% of all patients who are discharged from an eligible hospital and who request an electronic copy

By 2013, hospitals will likely be expected to:

• Provide access for all patients to a PHR populated in real time with patient health data
• Provide access to patient-specific educational resources in common primary languages
• Record patient preferences (e.g. preferred communication media, advance directive, health care proxies, treatment options)
• Documentation of family medical history, in compliance with GINA

NoMoreClipboard can help hospitals and health systems implement a patient portal that will satisfy these requirements. To learn more, contact NoMoreClipboard for an online demonstration at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it