How does the Affordable Care Act impact health information management?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly impacts health information management by expanding access to healthcare and emphasizing the importance of electronic health records (EHRs). One of the core goals of the ACA was to increase the number of individuals with health insurance and improve the quality of care. This necessitated better data collection and management practices, which are essential for assessing healthcare quality, outcomes, and access.

By promoting the use of EHRs, the ACA facilitates more efficient data sharing among healthcare providers, enhances patient engagement, and supports improved care coordination. The law incentivizes the adoption of EHR systems through various provisions, including financial assistance for implementation and meaningful use criteria that healthcare facilities must meet to qualify for incentives. This shift not only helps in the proper documentation of patient information but also ensures compliance with regulations while improving overall patient care.

The other options are inconsistent with the ACA's objectives; for example, eliminating the need for electronic health records contradicts the law's push for digitizing health information. Likewise, restricting access to patient information and decreasing the amount of data collected would undermine the framework established by the ACA aimed at promoting transparency and continuity in care. Thus, option C accurately reflects the ACA's goals related to health information management.