“The U.S. Senate yesterday passed The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, which includes numerous important health IT provisions, by a vote of 99-1…”
“There are several key health IT provisions in the legislation, including: enabling the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to test various models that provide incentive payments to behavioral health providers for the adoption and use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology to improve the quality and coordination of care through the electronic documentation and exchange of health information; requiring the use of electronic…”
“Regarding telehealth specifically, the Senate version of the bill will allow for payment for substance use disorder treatment services, via telehealth, to Medicare beneficiaries at originating sites, including a beneficiary’s home, regardless of geographic location. It also requires guidance…”
“As stated in the bill, states and localities would be provided with support to improve their PDMPs and “implement other evidence-based prevention strategies.” The bill also “encourages data sharing between states, and supports other prevention and research activities related to…” Read the full article here.
Source: Senate Passes Opioid Response Bill with Substantial Health IT Elements – By Rajiv Leventhal, September 18, 2018. Healthcare Informatics.
