Overview and Mission
The Massachusetts e-Health Institute (MeHI) is the state's entity for health care innovation, technology and competitiveness. Established by an act of the Massachusetts Legislature, MeHI is responsible for advancing the dissemination of health information technology across the commonwealth, including the deployment of electronic health records systems in all health care provider settings that are networked through a statewide health information exchange.
MeHI and the HIT Council will develop plans and a framework for making Massachusetts eligible for the maximum amount of near term funding available through the HITECH Act. These resources are expected to help us prepare providers in the Commonwealth to qualify for the substantial adoption incentive funds described above. Steps will include:
- Establishing one or more “regional extension organizations” that will provide a wide range of implementation support to providers in the process of adopting HIEs.
- Creating a program of grant and loan funds for providers to assist in the acquisition and implementation of EHRs and HIEs.
- Determining certification standards for EHRs and HIEs to assure that Massachusetts providers meet state and federal requirements for “meaningful” use in order to qualify for the incentive payments.
- Establishing a central Commonwealth resource available to all providers regarding standards for implementation and operation of EHRs/HIEs, best practices, available resources, etc.