Strategy on Reducing Burden Relating to the Use of Health IT and EHRs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a comprehensive strategy to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden related to the use of health IT, including EHRs. Reflective of public comment, the Strategy on Reducing Regulatory and Administrative Burdens Relating to the Use of Health IT and EHRs targets burdens tied to regulatory and administrative requirements that HHS can directly impact through the rulemaking process. The report’s strategies, recommendations, and policy shifts aim to give clinicians more time to focus on what matters – caring for their patients. The report is a collaborative effort between ONC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS.)

Background

In the 21st Century Cures Act, Congress identified the importance of easing regulatory and administrative burdens associated with the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information technology. Specifically, Congress directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a goal, develop a strategy, and provide recommendations to reduce EHR-related burdens that affect care delivery.

Based on input received through several wide-reaching listening sessions, written input, and stakeholder outreach, the strategy outlines three overarching goals designed to reduce clinician burden:

1. Reduce the effort and time required to record health information in EHRs for clinicians;
2. Reduce the effort and time required to meet regulatory reporting requirements for clinicians, hospitals, and healthcare organizations; and
3. Improve the functionality and intuitiveness (ease of use) of EHRs.