Even the "core objectives" aren't completely mandatory for attaining meaningful use. As the HITECH Answers blog points out, there are some exceptions. For example, CMS calls for eligible healthcare professionals to provide at least half of patients who request to see their health information with electronic copies of their records within three business days. But what if you don't receive any requests during the period for which you're reporting to CMS? You're off the hook. HITECH Answers lists this and four other exceptions you should be aware of. Blog