CHIME Supports Proposed Rule To Extend Stage 1

Help is on the way.

On May 20, CMS announced it was issuing a proposed rule that would allow providers to use 2011 edition of certified EHR technology for Stage 1 or stage 2 in 2014, granting vendors and healthcare organizations the relief many have been advocating for.

The announcement was quickly lauded by CHIME, which issued a statement saying it believes “the adjustments will ensure broad program participation and will enable providers to continue their Meaningful Use journey.”

Russ Branzell, the organization’s president and CEO, said, “If the government acts quickly to finalize the proposed rule, it will provide the flexibility needed for our members and their organizations to adequately optimize newly deployed technology and ensure success of the program.”

According to the proposed rule, which is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on May 23, providers will have the option to attest to the 2013 definition of Meaningful Use core and menu items and use the 2013 definition of clinical quality measures. As part of that, providers would need to use the 2014 edition of certification criteria in 2015.

CHIME, however, expressed concern that the timing of the announcement “may not afford hospitals a chance to take advantage of the proposed flexibility. Given the late date of this announcement, it is imperative that CMS and ONC take tangible steps as quickly as possible to finalize this rule to ensure the maximum positive impact for EHs and CAHs, which are nearing their final reporting period, beginning July 1.”

If the rule is published as scheduled, the 60-day comment period would begin immediately. For information about how to comment, click here.