Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the HITECH Act?

1. To regulate pharmaceutical pricing

2. To support Health IT advancement

3. To establish new medical facilities

4. To improve patient confidentiality

The correct answer is: To support Health IT advancement

The primary purpose of the HITECH Act is to support the advancement of health information technology (Health IT). This legislation was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, aiming to promote the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) and bolster the adoption of Health IT systems across the healthcare industry. By encouraging healthcare providers to implement and utilize EHRs effectively, the HITECH Act seeks to enhance the quality of care, increase efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. The act also emphasizes the importance of electronic health records in improving patient care coordination and data exchange among healthcare entities. Additionally, it introduced financial incentives for providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology, thus creating a stronger framework for health information exchange. Other options, while relevant to the healthcare environment, do not capture the primary intent of the HITECH Act. Regulating pharmaceutical pricing is not a focus of this legislation, nor is the establishment of new medical facilities. While improving patient confidentiality is a component of the act, as it includes provisions for the secure handling of health information, the overarching aim is clearly to promote health information technology.