At a press conference on August 20, 2009, it was predicted by David Blumenthal, M.D. that the final definition of the “meaningful use” of electronic health records (EHR) will be published in spring of 2010. Blumenthal is the national coordinator for health information technology. The final definition of meaningful use of EHRs will determine who is eligible for incentives under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Blumenthal said that a preliminary definition of meaningful use will be issued by the end of this year, followed by a 60 day comment period. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, hospitals and physicians can receive Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for making meaningful use of certified electronic health records systems. Source: Health Data Management article titled “Blumenthal Offers ‘Meaningful Use’ Timeframe,” by Howard Anderson.