Friday, August 29, 2014 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule that allows health care providers more flexibility in how they use certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) to meet meaningful use for an EHR Incentive Program reporting period for 2014.
Under the new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, eligible providers can use the 2011 Edition CEHRT or combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT for an EHR reporting period in 2014 for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs. In 2015, eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) are required to use the 2014 Edition CEHRT.
The rule also finalizes the extension of Stage 2 through 2016 for certain providers and announces the Stage 3 timeline, which will begin in 2017 for providers who first became meaningful EHR users in 2011 or 2012.
"We listened to stakeholder feedback and provided CEHRT flexibility for 2014 to help ensure providers can continue to participate in the EHR Incentive Programs forward," said Marilyn Tavenner, CMS administrator. "We were excited to see that there is overwhelming support for this change."
If you have any questions about this CMS rule, or any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our professional consultants.