The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT issued proposals for voluntary electronic health record technology certification criteria. The 2015 Edition of certification criteria proposals is separate from CMS "meaningful use" regulations.
The proposals of the 2015 Edition of EHR technology certification criteria include interoperability enhancements for safe and secure electronic health information transfer, and improved patient participation as an integral part of their care team.
Compliance with the 2015 Edition certification criteria is voluntary. In other words, if you have certified EHR technology to the 2014 Edition, you would not need to recertify to the 2015 Edition. In addition, for health care providers participating in incentive programs, it would not be necessary to upgrade EHR technology to 2015 Edition certification criteria.
According to Karen DeSalvo, M.D., M.P.H, national coordinator for health IT, "this provides the opportunity for developers and health care providers to move to the 2015 Edition on their own terms and at their own pace."
The proposed rule is published in the February 26, 2014, Federal Register. Comments will be accepted by the ONC through April 28, 2014. The final rule is expected to be issued sometime in summer 2014.
If you have any questions or concerns about this rule or any other rule changes please do not hesitate to contact one of our professional consultants.
Reference
Next edition of electronic health record technology certification criteria issued retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2014pres/02/20140221a.html