HSS215 DB1 PT2

EHR Implementation
Name
Institution
Abstract
Electronic health records (EHRs) are important in the domain of health because they help to reduce errors, which have been a public concern due to the high levels of morbidity and mortality. Successful implementation of EHRs is paramount and should be guided by the appropriate set of rules and a strong workforce. Among the various rules that guide EHR implementation are HIPAA, HIPAAA Privacy Rule Security rule, and HITECH involved in ensuring privacy, securing that privacy, and meaningful use of these systems, respectively. The EHR is a new concept that is gradually evolving; thus, the credentials of the professional healthcare team involved in the implementation process vary from one organization to the other as each organization tries to adopt strategies that are suitable for itself based on the organizational structure and available resources. Even though the EHR implementation process is costly, the outcomes outweigh the benefits; therefore, healthcare organizations should not shun away from effectively implementing these EHRs.
Keywords: EHR, Implementation, Rules, Credentials, Healthcare, Professionals, Standards, Practice
Step 1: As part of the EHR Implementation Team, you are given the task to research 3 of the following laws, standards, or regulations that govern the EHR. You will need to discuss what they are and what their importance is for the EHR implementation. Perform research as needed, and provide APA references.

The standards that you may choose from are as follows:
HIPAA
In reference to Ozair, Jamshed, Sharma, and Aggarwal (2015), the HIPAA protects patient information from being accessed by an unwarranted third party, who may use this information for the malicious reason. This act is important during EHR implementation so as to limit access and only allow healthcare workers managing the patient to access patient information.
HIPAA Privacy Rule Security Rule
This law stipulates that the implementation process of EHRs should incorporate routine audits that ensure that the systems in place comply with a hospital’s policy (ies) (Ozair et al., 2015). This rule is important during EHR implementation because it reinforces security by calling for ‘procedural and technical measures’ to ensure that patient information has not been used for wrong intentions or disclosed to unauthorized parties (Institute of Medicine, 2009, 157).
Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
This law that was endorsed in 2009 promotes the adoption of the EHR as a meaningful strategy for healthcare providers to reduce medical errors and minimize costs (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). This law is imperative during EHR implementation because it helps the technicians and developers to consider incorporating functionalities that aid in achieving the cause above.
Step 2: While you are working on the EHR Implementation Team, you are meeting other members of the team. You would like to understand their roles in the team so that you can work better with them. Choose 2 of the following health care professionals who work with health informatics. Be sure to indicate what degree is required, and if the professional earns a certification or credential. Perform research as needed, and provide APA references. The professions that you may choose from are as follows:
Chief Information Officer
The area of HER is still evolving, and as such, the standards of practice for the various EHR healthcare professionals are yet to be articulately defined. As at now, the credentials for a CIO vary from one organization to another based on an individual’s training but the minimum credential should be a bachelor’s degree in information technology alongside adequate years of experience in medicine (University of South Florida Health, 2016).
Health information specialty areas
In reference to Dooling, Osborne, and Wiedemann (2016), the minimum certificate for entry into the health information specialty area in any organization is an associate degree and depending on the position aimed for; one can go on until he or she obtains an advanced degree.
Step 3: How does an EHR impact the financial and billing side of health care management?
Despite the fact that EHR is costly in terms of implementation and maintenance, the financial benefits derived from efficient outcomes are more. In reference to HITECH, discussed above, EHR help in cost containment by reducing costs associated with errors and redundancy in the case of diagnostic tests, legal issues in the case of sues and penalties, and production by cutting down on resources used (Menachemi & Collum, 2011).

References
Dooling, J. A., Osborne, K., & Wiedemann, L. (2016). Defining the basics of health informatics for HIM professionals. American Health Information Management Association. Retrieved from http://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=107443#.WDFH9lzMhEw.
Institute of Medicine. (2009). Beyond the HIPAA privacy rule: Enhancing privacy, improving health through research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US).
Menachemi, N., & Collum, T. H. (2011). Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 4, 47–55.
Ozair, F. F., Jamshed, N., Sharma, A., & Aggarwal, P. (2015). Ethical issues in electronic health records: A general overview. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 6(2), 73–76.
University of South Florida Health. (2016). Chief Medical Information Officer: Job Description and Salary Information. Retrieved from http://www.usfhealthonline.com/resources/career/chief-medical-information-officer-job-description-salary/#.WDFMkFzMhEw.