07/02/2014

CMS Proposes Meaningful Use Delay

CMS PROPOSES DELAY IN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD MEANINGFUL USE REQUIREMENTS
CMS has proposed to delay the requirements for the demonstration of Stage II of Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in response to complaints from EHR vendors, physicians, and hospitals that the requirements could not be met in the time required.  The proposal from CMS would let providers use 2011-certified EHRs, or a combination of 2011- and 2014-certified EHR technology, for the 2014 reporting period in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs.  Beginning in 2015, all eligible hospitals and professionals would still be required to report using 2014-certified
EHR technology. The proposed rule would give healthcare providers more flexibility in how they use electronic health record systems to meet Meaningful Use requirements and would formally extend the timelines for Stage 2 and Stage 3. However, providers and hospitals must still report with the upgraded 2014 edition by 2015 to avoid financial penalties.

A new definition of Stage 1 will give providers seeking to meet meaningful use the option of meeting the 2013 objectives and measures for Stage 1. Because the rule will extend Stage 2 through 2016, providers will not be able to move to Stage 3 until 2017.

The rule is open for comment until June 30, 2014. After that date, CMS will develop a final rule.