What did the HITECH Act define as a requirement for providers?

The HITECH Act, formally known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. A key goal of this legislation was to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. The requirement for "meaningful use" refers specifically to a set of criteria that healthcare providers must meet to demonstrate that they are effectively using certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. This is focused on improving patient care and health outcomes through the efficient and secure use of electronic records.

By meeting these criteria, providers can qualify for financial incentives through Medicare and Medicaid. The emphasis on meaningful use was designed to enhance patient engagement, improve care coordination, and ensure the privacy and security of patient information. This not only aids in improving the healthcare system but also aligns with broader goals of health reform.

Thus, the HITECH Act specifically focused on encouraging providers to utilize electronic health records in a meaningful way, making option B the correct answer in this context.