FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) is joining the hospitals and health care providers across the nation that are using electronic health records and other forms of health information technology (IT).

The hospital announced on Jan. 13 that it intends to achieve “meaningful use” of electronic health records and register for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“As health reform unfolds, it’s clear that IT will play an even more important role in emerging health systems. Well wired hospitals help illustrate IT in action — improving efficiency, quality, and safety of care while helping to control costs,” said Rebecca Ryder, FMH president/CEO.

Franklin Memorial Hospital has implemented HealthInfoNet, a statewide system for doctors and other health care providers to share information; bedside medication verification; Franklin e-ICU; PACS, a system for storing and sharing digital medical images through computer workstations; and regional e-prescribing.