Proposed EHR Certification Rule Changes Game
Posted: March 04, 2010
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has issued for public viewing a proposed rule establishing two certification programs--one temporary and the other permanent--to test and certify electronic health records. The rule soon will be officially published in the Federal Register, which will start the clock for a public comment period. To view the rule and accompanying documents, click here.
The proposed rule describes how an organization would become an "ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body" under the temporary program. An organization would submit an application and demonstrate "its competency and ability to test and certify Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules," according to the proposed rule.
The rule mentions the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology, but does not grant it any grandfather status or other advantages over any other organizations to become an ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body. CCHIT, however, is the only organization to date that has tested and certified EHRs. Because organizations must be able to both test and certify, ONC expects only a few organizations ultimately will qualify under the temporary certification program.
In the permanent certification program, the testing and certification of EHRs will be done by separate organizations. Upon establishment of the permanent program, ONC will move to the public sector many of the administrative processes and duties it will assume under the temporary program.
Source: Health Data Management (HDM Breaking News) | March 2, 2010 | Joseph Goedert
Resources
Articles
- Harvard’s Dr. David Blumenthal named National Health IT Chief.
- President Obama signs the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
- Obama pledges that this is the year for healthcare reform
- Stimulus Money + EHR + Medical Home = Reform – NextGen’s Dr. Sarah Corley discusses the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act - specifically as it relates to reimbursement and e-care services.
- Obama and Congress Send Message: Adopt EHR - Article explores how the Obama administration’s support might lead to broader EHR adoption.
- 'Meaningful use' no mystery, experts contend
Documents
- HIT Survival Guide - by Dr. Sarah Corley Chief Medical Officer, NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Inc.
- EHR Association Recommendations for ARRA Meaningful Use and EHR Criteria for Eligible Professionals (Ambulatory) © 2009 HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association. Used with permission.
- Economic Stimulus Bill
- National Association of Community Health Centers – press release on stimulus
Helpful Sites
- Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP) on standards
- Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT)
- American Medical Association
- American Hospital Association
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- HHS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
