ONC Report Highlights EHR Adoption Disparities in Mental Health Facilities
A recent report by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) reveals significant disparities in the adoption of electronic health records (EHR) among substance use and mental health treatment facilities in the U.S. According to the 2024 N-SUMHSS survey data, 68% of these facilities use EHRs exclusively, while 25% use a combination of EHR systems and paper charts. The report highlights a stark contrast in EHR adoption rates based on facility ownership, with federal government facilities leading at a 97% adoption rate, compared to only 38% for state government facilities. Additionally, the report notes that while most facilities use EHRs for basic administrative tasks, there is a significant drop in the use of advanced capabilities such as electronic prescriptions and lab test orders. Furthermore, only 19% of behavioral health facilities participate in a Health Information Exchange (HIE), with a majority unaware of HIE availability. 
