The House of Representatives on Feb. 13 gave final approval to the conference report for the economic stimulus bill on a 246-183 vote. No Republican members voted for the bill.
The Senate is expected in the evening to vote on final passage of the conference report. Approval in the Senate means the bill then would go to President Obama for his signature.
The legislation's funding provisions to encourage widespread adoption of electronic health records systems include $2 billion in grants or loans to providers. Another $17 billion in Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for the use of EHRs would start in 2011. Providers not using certified EHRs by 2014 would see a reduction in their Medicare payments beginning in 2015.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates approximately 90% of physicians and 70% of hospitals will be using certified EHRs by 2019 as a result of the legislation.
--Joseph Goedert
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