What are regional extension centers?

Regional extension centers (RECs) are organizations established under the HITECH Act to provide technical assistance and support to healthcare providers, small practices, and those working with underserved populations. The official description on the ONC website notes “The focus is to provide on-the-ground technical assistance for individual and small provider practices, medical practices lacking resources to implement and maintain Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and those who provide primary care services in public and critical access hospitals, community health centers, and other settings that mostly serve those who lack adequate coverage or medical care.” RECs can do so by using local expertise and educational material to assist in activities like vendor selection and workflow redesign. 

How RECs function

RECs offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of individual practices, especially those that are small or underserved. RECs offer technical services throughout the EHR implementation process, including project management, workflow redesign, and training on best practices. They also help providers navigate the complexities of selecting appropriate EHR systems. 

The operational model followed across RECs is based on localized support to provide services to providers in their regions. It includes technical and financial consultation to help practices make informed decisions about investment in health IT. 

Who benefits 

1. Small primary care practices benefit from RECs by receiving support for EHR adoption. 
2. Community health centers gain assistance in navigating the complexities of EHR implementation. 
3. Rural health clinics are provided resources to overcome financial and technical barriers to EHR usage. 
4. Critical access hospitals benefit from guidance on achieving meaningful use of EHRs. 

The role of the HHS 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) provides substantial funding to RECs. This funding, estimated to be over $750 million in grants, enables RECs to offer technical assistance and resources to help providers achieve the meaningful use of EHRs. 

The HHS also serves an oversight role. They ensure RECs are positioned to serve local communities and set accountability measures through milestone systems that track REC progress.

The milestone system involves: 

• Enrollment milestones that track the number of healthcare providers enrolled in REC programs. 
• Monitoring the successful implementation of EHR systems by participating providers. 
• Assessing the percentage of providers that reach meaningful use stages. 
• Evaluating the provision of technical support and training to providers. 
• Measuring improvements in clinical quality and patient outcomes as a result of EHR adoption. 

Related: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

FAQs

What is the meaningful use program? 

The Meaningful Use program is a federal initiative that incentivizes healthcare providers to adopt and effectively use EHRs. 

Do RECs have to comply with HIPAA?

RECs have to comply with HIPAA when they handle PHI on behalf of the providers they serve.