42 U.S.C. § 300jj-17 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 42. The Public Health and Welfare § 300jj-17. Federal health information technology

(a)In general

The National Coordinator shall support the development and routine updating of qualified electronic health record technology (as defined in section 300jj of this title) consistent with subsections (b) and (c) and make available such qualified electronic health record technology unless the Secretary determines through an assessment that the needs and demands of providers are being substantially and adequately met through the marketplace.

(b)Certification

In making such electronic health record technology publicly available, the National Coordinator shall ensure that the qualified electronic health record technology described in subsection (a) is certified under the program developed under section 300jj-11(c)(3) of this title to be in compliance with applicable standards adopted under section 300jj-12(a)(2) 1 of this title.

(c)Authorization to charge a nominal fee

The National Coordinator may impose a nominal fee for the adoption by a health care provider of the health information technology system developed or approved under subsection  2 (a) and (b). Such fee shall take into account the financial circumstances of smaller providers, low income providers, and providers located in rural or other medically underserved areas.

(d)Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to require that a private or government entity adopt or use the technology provided under this section.