Bill > S1685

This bill, the Behavioral Health Information Technology Coordination Act of 2013, aims to expand access to health information technology (HIT) assistance for behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse professionals and facilities. It amends the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act to include these providers, such as psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and residential or outpatient treatment facilities, in programs that promote the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). The bill also extends eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid HIT implementation assistance to clinical psychologists and certain other behavioral health providers, adjusting timelines for incentive payments and penalties related to EHR adoption. Furthermore, it establishes protections for "covered entities," which include providers and vendors using certified EHR technology, by clarifying reporting requirements for patient safety organizations, limiting e-discovery in lawsuits related to EHRs, and imposing statutes of limitations and other legal defenses in health care liability claims arising from EHR-related adverse events.