To amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to promote the use of health information technology to better coordinate health care.
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude (provide safe harbors for) the practical or other advantages resulting from health information technology or related installation, maintenance, support, or training services from the ban on hospital payments to physicians (kickbacks) to induce reduction or limitation of services, which are subject to antikickback civil penalties. Exempts related nonmonetary remunerations meeting specified requirements from criminal penalties.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess and report to Congress on the effect of these safe harbors on the health system, especially the adoption of health information technology.
Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to except from the limitation on certain physician referrals the provision of health information technology and training services to health care professionals.
Requires the Secretary to assess and report to Congress similarly on the impact of this exception on the health system, especially the adoption of health information technology.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.