In the May 23, 2014 Federal Register, the
United States Department of Health and Human Services published a May 20, 2014
Proposed Rule broadening the scope
whereby eligible professionals and hospitals, including critical access
hospitals, may use certified electronic health record (“EHR”) technology (“CEHRT”) to demonstrate meaningful use. The
Proposed Rule, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”)
and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
(“ONC”), would also change the requirements for the reporting of clinical
quality measures for 2014.
The Proposed Rule was created to address
stakeholder concern over the availability and access to the 2014 Edition
CEHRT. The Proposed Rule:
- Extends Stage 2 meaningful use through 2016.
- Begins Stage 2 meaning use in 2017;
- Allows providers to use the 2011 Edition CEHRT or a combination or the 2011 and 2014 Edition
CEHRT for the EHR reporting in 2014 in order
to meet the requirements of meaningful use for Medicare and Medicaid EHR
Incentive Programs. Since the Incentive Program began in 2011, more than
370,000 professionals and hospitals nationwide have received an incentive
payment.
Beginning in 2015, all eligible hospitals
and professionals would still be required to report using the 2014 Edition
CEHRT.
If you would like more information, please
contact Charles F. MacKelvie.