Immediate HITECH Timeline

Within 45 days of enactment (April 3, 2009):
• Appointment of HIT Policy Committee members - Section 3002(b)

After 45 days from date of enactment (April 3, 2009), but prior to 90 days (May 18, 2009):
• HIT Policy Committee makes recommendations to ONC on areas in which standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria are needed including those to protect privacy, ensure security, account for disclosures, encrypt information and use EHRs for quality improvement (Section 3002)

Within 90 days of enactment (May 18, 2009):
• HIT Standards Committee will develop a schedule for assessment of the policy recommendations developed by the HIT Policy Committee (Section 3003)
• NIST to conduct pilot testing of standards and implementation (Section 3003 and Section 13201)
• Draft description of program for establishing regional centers for HIT Implementation Assistance (Section 3012)Not later than 45 days after the HIT Standards Committee delivers recommendations to ONC
• ONC makes a determination whether to endorse each standard, implementation specification, and certification criterion for the electronic exchange and use of health information that is recommended by the HIT Standards Committee and delivers recommendations to HHS Secretary (Section 3001)

By December 31, 2009:
• HHS Secretary (in consultation with other Federal Agencies) will determine what standards should be adopted from those endorsed by ONC, and adopt them through rulemaking processes (Section 3004)
• Secretary will adopt an initial set of standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria through release of Interim Final Regulations (Section 3004)