Which framework is commonly used to evaluate health information systems?

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act is indeed a central framework used for evaluating health information systems. This legislation was introduced to promote and expand the adoption of health information technology, particularly electronic health records (EHRs). The HITECH Act provides incentives for healthcare providers to demonstrate meaningful use of EHRs, which includes evaluating the effectiveness, quality, and safety of health information systems.

In this context, the evaluation involves assessing how these systems can improve patient care delivery, enhance data sharing, and support health information exchange. By establishing criteria for meaningful use, the HITECH Act effectively sets a standard for evaluating the performance and impact of health information systems in healthcare.

The other choices do not primarily focus on health information systems. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mainly addresses healthcare coverage and access issues, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) pertains to employee leave rights, and the Social Security Act is focused on social insurance programs. Therefore, they do not serve as frameworks for evaluating health information systems.