The exchange of electronic health records is seen as one of the most important aspects of health information technology. It will enable the creation of a fully networked healthcare system that is capable of collaboratively driving improvements in quality.

A team of members of the National Health IT Standards Committee said at a recent meeting that simplifying exchange standards while also supporting advanced functions of electronic health records may be key to getting more physicians to begin exchanging records, according to Fierce EMR.

Putting these standards and policies in place could play an important role in the creation of the National Health Information Exchange Network, the group said. Their recommendations will be sent to the ONC for implementation.

Members expressed concern about burdening EHR vendors and physicians with excessive technical regulations, which could ultimately stand in the way of participation in information exchange programs, according to the news source. Still, any regulations put forth must be strict enough to ensure that technology is being used in a meaningful way.

HIMSS states that creating a system in which physicians are exchanging EHRs is the ultimate goal of all of the government's efforts to encourage technology adoption, as this will lead to significant improvements in care quality.