Why has EHR adoption been so slow? Why did the early systems fail? • What core functions make up a typical electronic health system? • What is the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and how does it relate to EHRs? • What are the current governmental incentives for installing EHR systems? What are the ramifications if systems do not start using EHR? • What are the requirements for optimal utilization of EHR systems? • What is certified EHR? Why is it important? • How can EHR systems reduce cost and increase quality of care?