Just this week the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) announced their selection of the final two regional extension centers (RECs). This brings the total count to 62 and completes a national network of RECs. The last two RECs will provide support for providers in Orange County California and the state of New Hampshire.
RECs are funded by the Economic Stimulus Bill of 2009, or more specifically, the HITECH Act. This program has received funds of $677 million so far. Their mission is to help 100,000 providers become “meaningful users” of electronic health records in 24 months. Each individual REC is required to help at least 1,000 providers achieve “meaningful use” status. Will RECs deliver on their mission?
Software Advice is hosting a poll with this same question. They want to know if you think RECs will reach their objectives. To participate, visit the poll here.
Their poll also ties in with a blog post titled, “5 Reasons RECs are RECkless.” One of their main concerns with RECs is the short timeline. RECs funded in February of this year have just 17 months to reach their goal; the others funded in April have 19 more months. So, if their goal is to help 1,000 providers in this short time frame, they will need to work with 50 to 60 providers a month. Do they really have enough time and reosurces to support this demand? Where are they going to find enough staff?
To participate in their poll and read more from their article, visit: http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/medical/five-reasons-we-think-recs-are-reckless-1092310/
