Electronic health record systems are rapidly changing the healthcare industry from a paper-based to an automated system. These repositories of digitally stored health information enable greater continuity of care for all providers with the ability to access an individual's health record. Healthcare trends and issues from a patient information management perspective touch areas such as medicine, management, law and information technology. As the healthcare industry moves toward electronic records, there will be a high demand for professionals who can manage the automation of patient information and ensure its security. An assessment of the environmental factors, both internal and external, that will affect the continued deployment of electronic health record systems is necessary for effective planning. Electronic health record systems store a record of patient health information that can be generated and updated by one or more encounters. in the health care environment. These systems contain a patient's progress notes, medications, vital signs, medical history, immunizations, lab results, and radiology reports—in other words, a complete view of the patient rather than to sift through voluminous paper files. Political factors have a significant impact on EHR implementation. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Affordable Care Act are two policy drivers that attempt to improve the financial viability of healthcare organizations while improving the quality and safety of care for patients nationwide. According to CCHIT.org (2013), as of mid-2009, certified EHR products accounted for more than 75% of the market. Congress saw the value in such products and recognized their curveball for the users of these systems and as we all know with technology, there can be frustrating glitches in the system. However, the return to paper records is a step backward, not forward. Environmental scanning of electronic health record systems ensures that management has a clear understanding of the issues and trends facing complex healthcare settings. It is a significant challenge to consider all of these factors in order to manage the successful implementation of these systems, as it involves many different sectors within the organization or clinical setting working together to ensure that caregivers are adequately trained on EHR systems and that the organization complies with regulatory standards. Success comes from clearly understanding all the factors and finding effective ways to stay ahead..