House Bill Targets Improved LTC-PAC EHR Interoperability

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.) has introduced the “Connecting Health and Records Technology for Seniors (CHARTS) Act,” which aims to help long-term and post-acute care providers modernize patient record systems, improve care coordination, and ensure seniors receive safer, more connected healthcare. 

When Congress passed the HITECH Act of 2009, hospitals and physician practices received federal incentives to adopt electronic health records (EHRs), the lawmaker said.

But, LTC providers, including SNFs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies, were largely left out.

“As a result, many facilities caring for older Americans continue to rely on outdated systems that make it more difficult to share patient information, coordinate care between providers, and participate in today’s increasingly data-driven healthcare system,” Cleaver said.

The announcement also said the legislation comes as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services continues its transition toward value-based care models, where providers are increasingly expected to coordinate care across multiple settings.

Yet, many LTC providers remain unable to fully participate because implementing EHR systems can cost between $100,000 and $250,000 – a significant financial hurdle for many facilities. 

Specifically, the CHARTS Act would:

• Authorize $5 million annually in FY2027 and FY2028 for competitive grants to eligible providers

• Award grants of up to $500,000 to help providers purchase and implement EHR systems.

• Improve communication and real-time information sharing between hospitals, nursing facilities, home health agencies, physicians, and other healthcare providers

• Support better care coordination, reduce duplicative services, strengthen medication management, and improve clinical decision-making

• Require HHS to report back to Congress on how the program improves patient outcomes and recommend whether the initiative should be expanded

Full text of the bill here. 

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.