AMA Applauds Senators' Efforts To Fix EHR Meaningful Use

For immediate release:
Sept. 24, 2013

Physicians are eager to implement EHRs, but overly aggressive timeline could have harmful, unintended consequences

WASHINGTON – The American Medical Association (AMA) today applauded Sens. John Thune, Lamar Alexander and 15 of their U.S. Senate colleagues for sending a letter urging Sec. Sebelius to grant a one-year extension to medical professionals working to meet Stage 2 meaningful use requirements who are not yet ready to make the significant leap from Stage 1 to Stage 2.

"We strongly support successful implementation of  EHRs," said AMA Immediate Past Chair Steven J. Stack, MD, "and we join these senators in expressing our concern that overly aggressive deadlines may widen the digital divide for small and rural practices and may have serious unintended consequences including stifling innovation and increasing medical errors."

In July, the AMA and the American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a similar letter urging Sec. Sebelius to make policy adjustments that would establish greater flexibility in meeting Stage 2 requirements and ensure a safe, orderly transition that leaves no one behind.

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