The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has outlined the proposed approach for establishing a certification program to test and certify electronic health records (EHRs).
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act mandates developing a certification program that will assure purchasers and users of EHR technology that the technology and products have the necessary functionality and security to help meet "meaningful use" criteria.
The proposed rule incorporates two phases of development for the certification program to allow eligible professionals and hospitals to adopt and implement certified EHR technology in time to qualify for meaningful use incentive payments.
The first proposed program creates a temporary certification process, under which the National Coordinator would authorize organizations to assume many of the responsibilities that will eventually be fulfilled under the permanent certification program. For the permanent certification program, the rule proposes transitioning much of the responsibility for testing and certification to organizations in the private sector.
HHS now will take feedback from the public on the proposals.
Related Reading
U.S. releases $1B in ARRA funds for HIT, February 12, 2010
HHS announces $38 million in health IT grants, December 24, 2009
$60 million issued for HIT research grants, December 21, 2009
Obama issues HIT funding, December 10, 2009
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