A final rule establishing the temporary certification program for electronic health record (“EHR”) technology was released today by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (“ONC”). As explained by the HHS press release and in a previous HLP blog about the proposed rule, the HITECH Act of 2009 established incentives for providers for using EHR, but specified that the technology they use must be certified EHR technology. The new final rule sets out the certification program, which will help ensure that the EHR technology providers are using is safe and effective–and fits the “meaningful use” criteria that allows them to qualify for the incentives. Details about the certification program at the Health IT website of HHS.
For more information, contact Robert S. Iwrey, Esq. at (248) 996-8510.