Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Related

Review Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing related questions and content

A nurse works on a unit where electronic health records (EHR) are being initiated and asks, "What is meant by 'meaningful use' standards that are in our education packet?" The best answer is that "meaningful use":

  • A. identifies a set of EHR proficiencies and benchmarks that EHR systems must meet to be certain that they are functioning to their maximum capacity and meeting this standard allows companies/organizations to qualify for funds to defray cost of the EHR from Medicare.
  • B. refers to training competencies that all users must achieve to be able to access and transfer patient data/information.
  • C. refers to a requirement that at least 50% plus one of all patients have data entered into the EHR.
  • D. the requirement that rigorous confidentiality security is in place to protect all patient information from sources which have no right to the data.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because "meaningful use" standards in EHR refer to specific criteria that healthcare providers must meet to receive incentives for using EHR effectively. This includes improving quality, safety, efficiency, and reducing health disparities. By meeting these benchmarks, providers can qualify for funds from Medicare.

Choice B is incorrect because "meaningful use" is not just about training competencies but about how EHR systems are used to improve patient care.

Choice C is incorrect as it misinterprets the concept of meaningful use. It is not about a specific percentage of patients with data entered, but about the overall impact of EHR on healthcare delivery.

Choice D is incorrect because while confidentiality and security are important aspects of EHR, they are not the sole focus of meaningful use standards.