Groups throw support behind MU legislation

Nine specialty societies are expressing their support for legislation that would allow participation in clinical data registries to meet the quality reporting component of the Meaningful Use (MU) program.

In a letter to EHR Improvements Act (HR 1331) sponsor Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.), the Northern American Spine Society and eight other groups lauded the bill but suggested an expansion to allow all physicians who utilize certified EHR systems to participate in registries as having met the MU criteria.

“The greatest tool we can give to physicians to drive quality improvement is relevant, timely, transparent and actionable data about their patient populations. Clinical data registries have the potential to dramatically improve health care through meaningful quality measurement and timely feedback. Deeming physicians who participate in these efforts using EHRs will promote and enhance use of clinical data registries,” according to the letter.  

Other signers of the letter include: The American Academy of Ophthalmology; The American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons; The Society of Interventional Radiology; The American Society of Anesthesiologists; American College of Gastroenterology; American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery North American Spine Society; American College of Rheumatology; and American Urological Association.