What is one of the legal concerns associated with electronic health records (EHR)?

The concern regarding the ability to subpoena audit trails is significant in the context of electronic health records (EHR) because audit trails are crucial for maintaining accountability and transparency in healthcare documentation. Audit trails document user access and modifications to electronic records, creating a history that can be reviewed to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of health information.

From a legal standpoint, these audit trails can be subpoenaed in the event of disputes, investigations, or legal proceedings, thereby necessitating rigorous security measures and compliance with regulations related to data management and privacy. This aspect underscores the importance of maintaining accurate and compliant audit trails not only for operational integrity but also to safeguard against legal liabilities.

In contrast, while template design, ANSI standards, and data sets are all relevant to the implementation and effectiveness of EHR systems, they do not directly pertain to the legal implications associated with record keeping and auditing practices in a way that impacts compliance and legal accountability.