09-04-2014
On August 29, 2014, CMS released a final rule that allows providers participating in the EHR Incentive Programs to use the 2011 Edition of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) for calendar and fiscal year 2014.
The rule grants flexibility to providers who are unable to fully implement 2014 Edition CEHRT for an EHR reporting period in 2014 due to delays in 2014 CEHRT availability. Providers may now use EHRs that have been certified under the 2011 Edition, a combination of the 2011 and 2014 Editions, or the 2014 Edition for 2014 participation.
Beginning in 2015, all eligible providers will be required to report using 2014 Edition CEHRT.
2014 Participation Options
Under the rule, providers are able to use 2011 Edition CEHRT, and have the option to attest to the 2013 Stage 1 meaningful use objectives and the 2013 definition CQMs.
2011 CEHRT
Providers scheduled to meet Stage 1 or Stage 2:
Combination of 2011 & 2014 CEHRT
Providers scheduled to meet Stage 1:
Providers scheduled to meet Stage 2:
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2013 Stage 1 objectives and 2013 CQMs; or
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2014 Stage 1 objectives and 2014 CQMs; or
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2014 Stage 2 objectives and 2014 CQMs
2014 CEHRT
Providers scheduled to meet Stage 1:
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2014 Stage 1 objectives and 2014 CQMs
Providers scheduled to meet Stage 2:
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2014 Stage 1 objectives and 2014 CQMs; or
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2014 Stage 2 objectives and 2014 CQMs
CEHRT Flexibility Resources
To help the public understand the final rule’s changes to 2014 participation, CMS has developed the following resources:
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CEHRT Interactive Decision Tool – providers answer a few questions about their current stage of meaningful use and Edition of EHR certification, and the tool displays the corresponding 2014 options.
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2014 CEHRT Flexibility Chart – chart provides a visual overview of CEHRT participation options for 2014.
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2014 CEHRT Rule Quick Guide – guide provides corresponding resources based on the option a provider chooses to participate in the EHR Incentive Programs in 2014.
Extending Stage 2
The rule also finalizes CMS and ONC’s recommended timeline to extend Stage 2 through 2016. The earliest a provider can participate in Stage 3 of meaningful use is now 2017.
For More Information
Visit the CMS Newsroom to read the press release about the final rule. For more EHR Incentive Programs resources, visit the CMS EHR website.