What is the purpose of meaningful use under ARRA 2009?

• A. To promote the use of certified EHRs to improve care, exchange information, and report measures
• B. To promote the exclusive use of paper records
• C. To require audits of EHR vendors
• D. To fund construction of new clinics

Answer: (A)

Meaningful use under ARRA 2009 focuses on getting providers to adopt certified electronic health records and use them in ways that genuinely improve patient care. The idea is to use EHRs to enhance care quality and safety, enable secure electronic exchange of health information, and systematically report and track quality measures. This creates the incentives to move away from paper records toward interoperable digital systems and to demonstrate real improvements in outcomes. It is not about keeping paper records, policing vendors with audits, or funding clinic construction.