The Certification Commission for Health IT is moving forward on plans to launch a less comprehensive certification program that will focus solely on compliance with the “meaningful use” requirements of the federal economic stimulus package, Health Data Management reports.

Under the stimulus package, hospitals and physicians who demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records will qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments.

Although the federal government is not expected to issue a final definition for meaningful use until next spring, CCHIT aims to launch its new certification program in October.

CCHIT Chair Mark Leavitt said the commission will base its new program on preliminary recommendations from federal health IT advisory committees. He said this will allow health care organizations to purchase and implement EHR systems in time to receive the maximum incentive payments.

Leavitt added that CCHIT also plans to update and expand its current comprehensive EHR certification system for ambulatory, emergency department and inpatient settings (Anderson, Health Data Management, 8/25).

Recent Certification Changes

Earlier this month, the Health IT Policy Committee adopted recommendations that called for multiple entities to certify EHR systems. The certification and adoption work group said it envisions the establishment of 10 to 12 different EHR certification groups, in addition to CCHIT.

The Policy Committee also proposed a transition plan to help health IT vendors develop products that meet the 2011 meaningful use requirements.

Under the “Preliminary HHS Certification” process, CCHIT likely would provide interim certification for EHR vendors. The plan would invite CCHIT to submit a proposal for developing the preliminary certification process (iHealthBeat, 8/17).

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http://www.ihealthbeat.org/Articles/2009/8/26/Full-Steam-Ahead-for-CCHITs-New-Certification-Program.aspx