The U.S government has published a proposed rule to provide more flexibility in how certified electronic health record (EHR) technology is used to meet meaningful use (MU) requirements. In addition, the rule would formally extend stage 2 of meaningful use through 2016 and allow those scheduled for stage 2 to remain at stage 1 for another year.
The proposed rule by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) would enable providers to use 2011 Edition certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) or a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT for the 2014 EHR reporting period for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs.
Since some providers may not have been able to fully implement in time all of the functions included in 2014 Edition CEHRT that are necessary to meet the stage 2 objectives and measures, CMS and ONC is proposing that those who are scheduled to begin stage 2 would have the option of using 2014 Edition CEHRT to attest again to the stage 1 objectives and measures for the 2014 EHR reporting period.
Beginning in 2015, all eligible hospitals and professionals would be required to report using 2014 Edition CEHRT, according to the agencies. In line with previously stated intentions, the proposed rule also has a provision to extend stage 2 through 2016, CMS and ONC said. Stage 3 would now begin in 2017.
