[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TESTING INCENTIVE PAYMENTS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS FOR ADOPTION 
        AND USE OF CERTIFIED ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD TECHNOLOGY

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                             HON. RON ESTES

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 13, 2018

  Mr. ESTES of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
3331, encouraging the adoption of electronic health record technology 
by behavioral health providers. The Meaningful Use Program has been 
instrumental in providing incentives to eligible clinicians to use 
electronic health record technology. Unfortunately, behavioral health 
providers have been left out of this program. H.R. 3331, sponsored by 
Rep. Lynn Jenkins, would incentivize psychiatric hospitals, community 
health centers and substance use treatment facilities to use the 
electronic health record technology.
  Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being 
and affects how individuals think, feel and act. This bill is an 
important step in ensuring medical providers have access to records for 
both mental and physical health, so that we can improve care 
coordination and meet the needs of patients. Rep. Jenkins has been a 
champion for mental health reform and I look forward to continuing our 
work on this important issue.

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