What legislation was enacted to improve healthcare quality and efficiency through health information technology?

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was specifically designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare through the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (health IT). Enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, HITECH promotes the widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) and aims to improve patient care by incentivizing healthcare providers to implement and demonstrate effective use of these technologies. It also includes provisions to strengthen the privacy and security of health information, making it a pivotal piece of legislation in the modern healthcare system.

In contrast, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily focuses on protecting patient privacy and the security of health information, rather than enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare through technology. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) encompasses a range of provisions aimed at increasing health coverage and improving healthcare access but does not directly target health IT. The Medicare Modernization Act primarily addresses Medicare benefits and prescription drug coverage, lacking a specific emphasis on health information technology initiatives.