New This Week on HealthIT.gov In This Issue S&I initiative on PDMP Using Health IT for caregiving New FAQ on language standard The latest in success stories Updated Health IT regs section S&I initiative on PDMP ONC launched a new initiative yesterday to help the various Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) around the United States electronically communicate with electronic health records. The ultimate goal is to make that communication seamless and arm providers with the data needed to support clinical decision-making, giving doctors new tools to fight the ongoing prescription drug abuse epidemic. “Enhancing access to PDMP programs can’t happen quickly enough, as clinicians across the country struggle to fight a growing national public health crisis,” writes Jennifer Frazier, ONC’s resident expert on PDMP and behavioral health. Peruse the blog on our new initiative. Using Health IT for caregiving November is National Family Caregivers Month and our own Fadesola Adetosoye has written a blog post about how she is using health IT to help become the care quarterback for her Mom, who has End Stage Renal Disease. Caregiving is easier when you have the tools to keep track of medications, appointments and treatment options, writes Fade. New FAQ on language standard We published a new ONC Regulations Frequently Asked Question (with a companion CMS FAQ) to further explain how the preferred language standard adopted for certification is interpreted. The FAQ also explains some of the nuances and limitations associated with the adopted standard. Take a look! The latest in success stories Check out the latest Health IT Success Stories that highlight EHR implementation and meaningful use experiences from providers around the country. You can find these stories and more under Success Stories & Case Studies: Angie Walker Explains How Health IT Helped a Small Practice Improve Health Care Quality Dr. Carpio Optimizes EHR System to Eliminate Gaps in Care Dr. Maselli Leverages Health IT to Increase Patient Engagement Dr. Hebou Uses a Patient Portal to Improve Patient Participation and Health Care Quality Dr. Yeaman Overcomes EHR Implementation Challenges at Norman Regional Health System Dr. Pinho Searches for and Finds the Right EHR System Emily Krohn Leads a Team-Based Approach to Improve Patient Outcomes at Boone County Health Center Dr. Ashinsky Achieves Meaningful Use, Improves Health Care Quality through Integration of EHRs Raj Desai Leads an Effort to Implement E-Prescribing and Improve Patient Care To view other NLC resources, visit the EHR implementation lifecycle steps. Updated Health IT regs section ONC has developed an improved Health IT Legislation and Regulations section on healthit.gov. A new legislation section discusses the HITECH Act and other key laws related to health IT. The improved regulations section organizes ONC’s Standards and Certification Criteria rules, provides ONC regulations resources, and links to other related health IT regulations. The new content provides policy researchers and implementers a central reference point for the legislation and regulations that guide ONC’s work.