EMR Not In Health Care Repeal

In his first day on the job, newly sworn in Ohio Attorney General (and former US Senator from Ohio) Mike Dewine stated his intent to join the lawsuit filed by other states with regard to last year's health care overhaul legislation. He is fulfilling a campaign promise that is outlined in the video above. The core of the lawsuit states that the federal government does not have the authority to require Americans to purchase health insurance.

Last year's health care debate was so confusing, I don't know if anyone really knows what is all in there. But in some discussions recently with physicians, they are encouraging the health care repeal legislation to go through "so we can get rid of all this nonsense electronic medical records." Now, I don't entirely disagree with this statement.

However, from what I understand, the electronic medical records legislation passed the House days following the president's inauguration in January 2009 and was signed into law a month later. This was the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and it's HiTech Act.

So, correct me if I'm wrong. But, the path toward an electronic health record is still there and not going to be a part of this health care repeal legislation. Now, I don't disagree with EMR implementation. But, in taking steps to try to integrate them into practice, it has been difficult, and I think the time lines that have been set out by ARRA are too aggressive and will lead to mistakes that will be blamed on the health care system (meaning I'll be blamed for it), and not blamed on this bad piece of legislation.