The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines an EHR as a system that includes “(1) longitudinal collection of electronic health information for and about persons, where health information is defined as information pertaining to the health of an individual or health care provided to an individual; (2) immediate electronic access to person- and population-level information by authorized, and only authorized, users; (3) provision of knowledge and decision-support that enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of patient care; and (4) support of efficient processes for health care delivery. Critical building blocks of an EHR system are the electronic health records (EHR) maintained by providers (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory settings) and by individuals (also called personal health records).” The IOM further identify 8 core functions as: health information and data, result management, order management, decision support, electronic communication and connectivity, patient support, administrative processes and reporting, and, reporting and population health. (IOM, 2003)