House hearing on HB 70 spotlights physician opposition to current electronic health records

Representative David Nagel, prime sponsor of HB 70, told the House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs that the bill aims to curb harmful effects of current electronic medical records on the doctor–patient relationship and private practice. "I would take the electronic medical record. I would throw it to the bottom of the ocean," Nagel said, arguing EMRs "fail" the sanctity of the relationship between clinician and patient and drive physician burnout.

Nagel said the bill seeks to protect small and private providers — including acupuncturists, chiropractors and massage therapists — from the financial and administrative burdens of EMR systems. He told the committee that enforcement by federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid has effectively coerced clinicians into EMR adoption by tying payments to compliance. "If Medicare" — Nagel said — "they will withhold 15% if you don't comply," a reference to past incentive and penalty programs he cited in testimony.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield senior…