The federal government has published regulations that will allow for temporary certification of electronic health records–the first step aimed at helping physicians and other providers get the software and hardware required to be eligible for bonus payments under federal health programs.
According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the rule “establishes processes that organizations will need to follow in order to be authorized by the National Coordinator to test and certify [electronic health record] technology.”
“We hope that all [health information technology] stakeholders view this rule as the federal government's commitment to reduce uncertainty in the health [information technology] marketplace and advance the successful implementation of EHR incentive programs,” said Dr. David Blumenthal, the national coordinator for health information technology, in a statement.
Certification of electronic health records means that the electronic health care package has been tested and includes the required capabilities to meet the “meaningful use” standards issued by ONC.
Under this system, hospitals and physicians will have the assurance that the certified EHRs can help them improve the quality of care and qualify for bonus payments under Medicare or Medicaid.
The incentive payments were authorized by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, part of the Recovery Act.
The rule was for a temporary certification program.
A final rule on permanent certification of EHRs will be issued in the fall.
For more information about the temporary certification program and rule, please visit http://healthit.hhs.gov/certification