HHS solicits panel for unintended meaningful use consequences

Jeff Byers | | Health Exec | EMR/EHR
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a contract bid to create a panel to identify and explore the negative unintended consequences of activities supported by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health IT in coordination with other federal agencies, including activities related to meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

“This contract honors the ancient injunction to physicians, ‘First, do no harm,’” stated the presolicitation notice.

Unintended consequences are not specifically identified but the notice acknowledged that not all unintended consequences are negative. “While some unintended consequences are desirable, the purpose of this contract is to identify and address those that are undesirable and potentially harmful,” HHS said.

"While we expect [ONC-supported programs] to help achieve the many desirable outcomes envisioned by Congress, a sense of responsibility for activities we support, historical experience as well as mounting evidence of unexpected problems demand that that we consider potential downsides," the agency said.

Responses for consideration are due Feb. 26, according to the agency.

Jeff Byers

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