CCHIT eNews
May 25, 2010
CCHIT releases new Web search for certified products
As part of CCHIT's ongoing efforts to promote certified products and enhance
the user's experience on our Web site, we have been hard at work on a
"faceted search," a simple way of drilling down into specific CCHIT
Certified and Preliminary ARRA certified products. It is our hope that this new feature
makes it easier for providers to find the types of certified products that
match their specific--and often unique--needs.
We have reached a point in our development where we would like to share this
new feature with you. We would like to invite you to test drive the new faceted search and provide
feedback on its performance. With this beta preview, we hope to resolve
remaining issues and to note features for improvement in future releases.
To preview our new search functionality, please visit:
http://www.cchit.org/productsearch.
Response to Public Comments posted
CCHIT has posted its responses to the Public Comments on Clinical Research Round 1 and Behavioral Health, Dermatology, and Long Term and Post-Acute Care (LTPAC).
To download these responses, visit the Public Comment responses.
CCHIT responds to ONC NPRM on permanent certification
On May 10, 2010, CCHIT submitted its public comments to the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) regarding the concept of permanent certification. To review CCHIT's position, download the comments.
April 8, 2010
CCHIT Certification now open
Applications and testing for CCHIT certification programs for electronic health records (EHR) are now open.
With this re-launch, the organization has separated its CCHIT Certified® program, offered since 2006 and updated annually, from its Preliminary ARRA program, launched in October 2009 in anticipation of the need for a modular testing and certification service that would become accredited by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
To review the criteria and test scripts or to apply, visit the Get Certified section of cchit.org.
Comment on NPRM
CCHIT has submitted public comments to the Office of the National
Coordinator (ONC) on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making published in the
Federal Register of March 9, 2010, "Proposed Establishment of
Certification Programs for Health Information Technology." The
comments focus mainly on the proposed Temporary Program, but they cover
several elements common to both the Temporary and Permanent Programs, as
well as the transition between the Programs. CCHIT plans to submit
additional comments specific to the proposed Permanent Program at a
later date. The comments draw upon CCHIT's deep base of practical
experience developing test processes, and inspecting and certifying EHRs
against federally-recognized standards.
To review the Certification Commission's comments, see Comments on the
NPRM on the Proposed Establishment of Certification Programs for Health
Information Technology (PDF).
Participants Needed for Long Term and Post Acute Care Pilot Test
CCHIT is looking for Long Term and Post Acute Care (LTPAC) EHR vendor participants for our 2010 Pilot Test to be conducted in April and early May. The Pilot Test is designed to validate criteria, test steps, and testing tools against real products and to solicit vendor comment to fine tune the inspection process. During our Pilot Tests we like to have health IT developers already in the market help us refine our work. For you, this is an opportunity to preview our requirements and prepare your product for actual certification testing for this new program to be launched later this summer. There is no fee for participation. We will work with you to answer any questions you have leading up to the actual Pilot test and we will welcome your feedback on our processes and our test scripts.
If you participate in this Pilot Test, CCHIT will publicly recognize your efforts in our program launch press release. If you are interested, please contact our Certification Program Director, Bambi Rose, at brose@cchit.org as soon as possible. She will provide more details and send you the CCHIT Pilot Application Form. We look forward to hearing from you.
Work Group applications open
In preparation for development of two new certification programs for Women’s Health and Oncology, the Commission has recruitment for volunteer work group members conducted only through the Web site through April 16, 2010. Those interested in applying should visit http://www.cchit.org/participate. Work Group members will be announced in June.
March 23, 2010
CCHIT Reopens Certification Testing On April 7
CCHIT will adjust its certification programs for electronic health records (EHR) and reopen applications and testing on April 7. With this re-launch, the organization will complete a separation of its CCHIT Certified® program, offered since 2006 and updated annually, from its Preliminary ARRA program, launched in October 2009 in anticipation of the need for a modular testing and certification service that would become accredited by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
For more information, read the press release.
Town Call materials
On March 18, the Commission discussed its certification progress and plans in light of the publication of the Certification Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) published by ONC on March 10. Materials from the call, including the presentation, the complete audio, and a podcast summary are available at http://www.cchit.org/about/towncalls.
Work Group applications open
In preparation for development of two new certification programs for Women’s Health and Oncology, the Commission has recruitment for volunteer work group members conducted only through the Web site through April 16, 2010. Those interested in applying should visit http://www.cchit.org/participate. Work Group members will be announced in June.
March 12, 2010
CCHIT comments on the IFR
CCHIT® has submitted its public comments on the Interim Final Rule (IFR) entitled “Health Information Technology: Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifics, and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Record Technology” to the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC).
For more information on the response, read the press release. To review the Certification Commission's comments, see Comments on the Interim Final Rule on Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for EHRs.
Town Call planned
The Commission plans a Town Call, a free Web-based teleconference open to all, on March 18, to discuss its public comments, as well as certification progress and plans in light of the publication of the Certification Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) published by ONC on March 10. Questions and answers will follow the presentation. Information about the call is available at http://www.cchit.org/about/towncalls.
Work Group applications opening
In preparation for development of two new certification programs for Women’s Health and Oncology, the Commission is opening recruitment for volunteer work group members conducted only through the Web site from March 16 through April 16, 2010. Those interested in applying should visit http://www.cchit.org/participate, beginning on March 16, for more information. Work Group members will be announced in June.
Public Comment closes March 16
The Certification Commission is currently accepting public comment
on its most recent work products, including Behavioral Health criteria
and test scripts, Dermatology criteria and test scripts, and Long-Term
and Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) criteria and test scripts. Comments with be accepted until March 16 at 5 PM CT.
Interested in participating? Visit
the public comment area to download the materials and submit comments.
March 3, 2010
Assessing the Certification NPRM
Having reviewed the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding certifying bodies, we feel confident about our prospects of becoming accredited," said Alisa Ray, Executive Director of CCHIT. "The release of the Certification NPRM is an important step that will reduce the uncertainty that the health care community has experienced while awaiting this additional information."
To read more from CCHIT, visit Certification NPRM: A Statement from Alisa Ray, Executive Director, Certification Commission for Health Information Technology.
Public Comment closes March 16
The Certification Commission is currently accepting public comment
on its most recent work products, including Behavioral Health criteria
and test scripts, Dermatology criteria and test scripts, and Long-Term
and Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) criteria and test scripts. Comments with be accepted until March 16 at 5 PM CT.
Interested in participating? Visit
the public comment area to download the materials and submit comments.
Expanding Comprehensive Certification to Oncology, Women’s Health
The Certification Commission announced that it will begin development of Comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) certification programs in Oncology and Women’s Health. These programs represent the next step in the Commission’s expansion roadmap to address the needs of professional specialties, care settings, and patient populations.
Development of these two new programs will begin following an open recruitment for volunteer work group members conducted only through the Commission’s Web site from March 16 through April 16, 2010. Those interested in applying should visit http://www.cchit.org/participate, beginning on March 16, for more information. Work Group members will be announced in June.
February 17, 2010
IFR Stage 1 Certification Programs Open
The Certification Commission has opened its CCHIT Certified® Comprehensive IFR Stage 1 certification program and its more limited Modular IFR Stage 1 certification program, both formerly entitled "2011" programs, to align with the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on January 13, 2010, effective February 12, 2010. The updated Criteria, Test Scripts, Handbooks, Agreements and other supportive documents are available now and applications are open for the following programs:
CCHIT Certified® Comprehensive
Emergency Department EHR IFR Stage 1
Modular EHR technology
Eligible Providers IFR Stage 1
Public Comment now open
The Certification Commission is currently accepting public comment on its most recent work products, including Behavioral Health criteria and test scripts, Dermatology criteria and test scripts, and Long-Term and Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) criteria and test scripts.
Interested in participating? Visit the public comment area to download the materials and submit comments.
HIMSS '10: Town Hall with CCHIT
Join the leaders of the Certification Commission, in person, at HIMSS '10 in Atlanta for a Town Hall on the current state of EHR certification. Dr. Mark Leavitt and Alisa Ray will present a progress report on CCHIT’s certification programs with plans for the future, Monday March 1, 12:15 – 1: 45 pm in the Georgia Ballroom 3. Question and answers to follow.
December 10, 2009
Introducing new trustees and commissioners
The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology today announced three appointees to its board of trustees, and named five new commissioners, whose terms begin Jan. 1, 2010.
Review the full list of trustees.
Review the full list of commissioners.
More CCHIT Certified® Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA products added
The Certification Commission continues to test and certify products in these two new certification programs. Get an update on the progress of the 2011 certification programs at http://ehrdecisions.com/.
Visit the CCHIT Certified ® 2011 Comprehensive listing for EHR products that have been rigorously inspected for integrated functionality, interoperability, and security, in addition to meeting or exceeding proposed Federal standards that support achievement of meaningful use to qualify for ARRA funding. As part of their inspection, these products are also rated for usability and verified to be in use at provider sites. Providers looking for maximal assurance that a product will meet their complex needs now and in the future may wish to look here first.
Visit the Preliminary ARRA 2011 listing for EHR technology tested in this limited, modular program developed to certify compliance with proposed Federal standards. See the Certification Labels™ for each product listing to determine which proposed standards are met. Providers looking for flexibility in assembling EHR technology to meet the ARRA requirements may wish to look here first.
Public comment period for Long Term and Post Acute Care opens Dec. 14
The Commission plans to open public comment from Dec. 14, 2009 through Jan. 12, 2010 on the first round of criteria for Long Term and Post Acute Care (LTPAC) EHRs. The first priority for this new domain is development of a core set of criteria for the collection of care settings encompassed in LTPAC and specific criteria for the first two settings – skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies – identified as priorities by the Commission’s LTPAC Advisory Task Force. These certification programs are scheduled for a July 2010 launch.
November 18, 2009
Public Comment period now open
The first 30-day public comment period of the 2011 development cycle is now open. Comment will be accepted for the first round of criteria for additional electronic health record (EHR) Comprehensive certifications not included in the Commission’s Oct. 7 launch of CCHIT Certified® Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA certification programs.
These expanded areas include Clinical Research and Dermatology criteria (optional add-ons to the current Ambulatory EHR certification) and Behavioral Health EHR criteria - both standalone and as an optional add-on to the current Ambulatory EHR certification.
Comments will only be taken through the Commission’s Web site. The comment period is open until December 11, 2009, at 5 PM Central time.
Miss the Get Certified for 2011 in-person work shop? Grab the content and Q&A now
On October 1, 2009, CCHIT held a workshop for vendors and developers preparing for CCHIT’s new certification programs: the CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA 2011 certification programs.
This event was a sell-out. If you missed it, or if you want to share the materials with members of your team who couldn't attend, you can still get the valuable information shared during those presentations. You may now purchase a CD-ROM including all the PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio recordings. The CD also includes companion Q&A guides that share the responses to questions your peers had about the new programs. The presentations are modular to allow you to listen to the sessions individually.
For more information or to purchase the CD, visit the Education area on cchit.org.
Call for Trustees and Commissioners
The Certification Commission is seeking senior executives working in healthcare to serve on its Board of Trustees and Board of Commissioners. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 20, 2009.
The Commission’s 9-member Board of Trustees has fiduciary responsibility and provides leadership in the areas of fiscal oversight and stewardship of assets, organizational strategy, evaluation of senior management, and resolution of any conflicts of interest involving the Commission’s management and its 21-member Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners oversees certification criteria developed by voluntary work groups, provides strategic direction and ensures the objectivity and credibility of the Commission.
For details on what these volunteer positions entail, including how to apply, read the volunteer position descriptions.
November 5, 2009
Miss the Get Certified for 2011 in-person work shop? Grab the content and Q&A now
On October 1, 2009, CCHIT held a workshop for vendors and developers preparing for CCHIT’s new certification programs: the CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA 2011 certification programs.
This event was a sell-out. If you missed it, or if you want to share the materials with members of your team who couldn't attend, you can still get the valuable information shared during those presentations. You may now purchase a CD-ROM including all the PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio recordings. The CD also includes companion Q&A guides that share the responses to questions your peers had about the new programs. The presentations are modular to allow you to listen to the sessions individually.
For more information or to purchase the CD, visit the Education area on cchit.org.
Call for Trustees and Commissioners
The Certification Commission is seeking senior executives working in healthcare to serve on its Board of Trustees and Board of Commissioners. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 20, 2009.
The Commission’s 9-member Board of Trustees has fiduciary responsibility and provides leadership in the areas of fiscal oversight and stewardship of assets, organizational strategy, evaluation of senior management, and resolution of any conflicts of interest involving the Commission’s management and its 21-member Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners oversees certification criteria developed by voluntary work groups, provides strategic direction and ensures the objectivity and credibility of the Commission.
For details on what these volunteer positions entail, including how to apply, read the volunteer position descriptions.
Public Comment opens Nov. 16
The first 30-day public comment period of the 2011 development cycle will open Nov. 16 – Dec. 15, 2009. Comment will be accepted for the first round of criteria for additional electronic health record (EHR) Comprehensive certifications not included in the Commission’s Oct. 7 launch of CCHIT Certified® Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA certification programs. These expanded areas include Clinical Research and Dermatology criteria (optional add-ons to the current Ambulatory EHR certification) and Behavioral Health EHR criteria - both standalone and as an optional add-on to the current Ambulatory EHR certification. Comment will only be taken through the Commission’s Web site.
October 22, 2009
Call for Trustees and Commissioners
The Certification Commission is seeking senior executives working in healthcare to serve on its Board of Trustees and Board of Commissioners. Applications will be accepted Oct. 26 through Nov. 20, 2009.
The Commission’s 9-member Board of Trustees has fiduciary responsibility and provides leadership in the areas of fiscal oversight and stewardship of assets, organizational strategy, evaluation of senior management, and resolution of any conflicts of interest involving the Commission’s management and its 21-member Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners oversees certification criteria developed by voluntary work groups, provides strategic direction and ensures the objectivity and credibility of the Commission.
For details on what these volunteer positions entail, including how to apply, read the press release.
Public Comment opens Nov. 16
The first 30-day public comment period of the 2011 development cycle will open Nov. 16 – Dec. 15, 2009. Comment will be accepted for the first round of criteria for additional electronic health record (EHR) Comprehensive certifications not included in the Commission’s Oct. 7 launch of CCHIT Certified® Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA certification programs. These expanded areas include Clinical Research and Dermatology criteria (optional add-ons to the current Ambulatory EHR certification) and Behavioral Health EHR criteria - both standalone and as an optional add-on to the current Ambulatory EHR certification. Comment will only be taken through the Commission’s Web site.
2011 Applications Open; Updated Certification Materials Posted Oct. 20
The Commission is taking applications for both the CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive and Preliminary ARRA 2011 programs now. Certification materials including the Criteria, Test Scripts, Certification Handbooks and Certification Agreements are available and have been updated to reflect CCHIT and ONC Advisory Committee changes as of Oct. 20, 2009.
A description of both programs is available for download (PDF) . You can always find the latest materials available for download in the Get Certified section of cchit.org.
October 7, 2009
2011 Certification Programs Launched Today
The Certification Commission has published the final approved criteria and test scripts, technical guidance, handbooks, and agreements for both its CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive certification program and its Preliminary ARRA 2011 certification program. The Commission opened applications for both of these new programs today.
To review the materials, visit the Get Certified section.
Overview of CCHIT 2011 programs
The Certification Commission recently held an in-person workshop in Chicago to explain the 2011 changes to the CCHIT certification process. That work shop was sold out. So to accommodate those who couldn’t attend, complete audio-visual materials from that event will be available for purchase in the near future and announced in CCHIT eNews.
In the meantime, you can download a shorter overview of the 2011 programs (PDF).
September 30, 2009
2011 Certification Materials Available
On September 24, the Certification Commission published the final approved criteria and test scripts, and other technical guidance, for both its CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive certification program and its Preliminary ARRA 2011 certification program. The Commission will launch both of these new programs on October 7. The Certification Handbook containing the policies governing these programs and the Certification Agreement will be available by late day on October 5.
REMINDER: Juror applications close October 2
The Certification Commission is recruiting and training a larger pool of jurors to support its expanding certification programs: both the CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive programs and the new Preliminary ARRA 2011 programs. Take a look at the currently available contract positions for physicians, nurses, health information technology specialists and IT security experts. If you are interested and meet the Commission’s qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Applications will be open until October 2 only.
For more information or to apply, visit the Careers section.
September 21, 2009
CCHIT is building larger juror pool in preparation for new programs
The Certification Commission is recruiting and training a larger pool of jurors to support its expanding certification programs: both the CCHIT Certified® 2011 Comprehensive programs and the new Preliminary ARRA 2011 programs. Take a look at the currently available contract positions for physicians, nurses, health information technology specialists and IT security experts. If you are interested and meet the Commission’s qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Applications will be open until October 2 only.
For more information or to apply, visit the Careers section.
Just a few spots left in CCHIT’s Get Certified for 2011 workshop for vendors and developers
Are you uncertain about how your EHR technology fits with CCHIT’s new certification programs: should you select a CCHIT Certified® comprehensive program or just a preliminary ARRA program? Are you unsure about your product’s readiness for testing against preliminary standards for eligible providers and hospitals for 2011 under ARRA? Are you unfamiliar with CCHIT’s application and inspection process?
Attend Get Certified for 2011
Thursday, October 1
8:00 am – 5:00 pm CT
The Westin O’Hare, Rosemont, IL
We have designed this one-day workshop to answer these questions about our new programs and to help vendors and developers understand the new certification process and use the certification program tools effectively. Using our published certification materials, CCHIT’s staff will walk you through all aspects of the new application and testing process. You’ll have an opportunity to step through the test scripts including the preliminary standards supporting the Meaningful Use Objectives for 2011 under ARRA. And you will be able to ask your own questions.
Given the positive response to this event, we have increased the capacity to allow more people to attend. However, even that additional space is rapidly filling up, so you are encouraged to register today. Registration closes on September 25.
September 3rd Town Call Q&A now available on Web site
On September 3, we held a Town Call to gather feedback from vendors and developers about our launch plans for new 2011 certification programs. More than 700 people attended the call and we received hundreds of questions--most of which we could not answer during the call. Those answers along with the presentation slides and a full recording of the meeting are now available at our Web site.
September 8, 2009
CCHIT announces in-person workshop on new 2011 certification programs
We have designed this one-day workshop to answer your questions about our new programs and to help you and others on your team understand the new certification process and use the certification program tools effectively. Using our published certification materials, CCHIT’s staff will walk you through all aspects of the new application and testing process. You’ll have an opportunity to step through the test scripts including the preliminary standards supporting the Meaningful Use Objectives for 2011under ARRA. And you will be able to ask your own questions.
DATE: 10/1/2009
TIME: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CT
COST: $295 per seat
Online registration for the workshop will be open through September 25. Please note that registration is limited to the first 250 applicants.
For more information, read the press release. For more information on attending, see the workshop details.
Results from September 3 Town Call on new 2011 certification programs
On September 3, CCHIT held a Town Call to gather feedback from vendors and developers about the launch plans the new 2011 certification programs. (For a recap, please review the presentation slides or even a full recording of the meeting.)
“On our Town Call, which drew over 700 attendees, we received valuable feedback on our proposed programs, and a strong indication of interest from health IT companies and developers in applying for timely certification under these programs,” said Mark Leavitt, MD, PhD, chair of the Commission.
CCHIT has published the results from surveys taken during the call on EHR Decisions. While the survey figures are only approximations – for example, there could be more than one attendee on the call from any given vendor – the results appear to show a high level of interest in both new 2011 certification programs.
For more information, see Mark Leavitt's latest post on EHR Decisions.
CCHIT is hiring
The Certification Commission employs full-time staff members that assist with the coordination of volunteers, the testing of products for certification, and the management of the business as a whole. The following positions at the Certification Commission are currently open:
Details about each position and the application process can be found on the CCHIT careers page.
August 25, 2009
Certification Commission Seeks Input On Launch Of New Programs
The Certification Commission today announced a Town Call web conference on September 3 to gather input from the vendor and developer community on the details and timing of its planned new paths to certification of electronic health record (EHR) technologies, with the goal of supporting more rapid, widespread adoption and meaningful use under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
DATE: 9/3/2009
TIME: 12:00pm CDT
WEB CONFERENCING: Join the Web conference
AUDIO: To use computer audio, you need speakers and microphone, or a headset.
To use telephone conferencing:
US/Canada Dial-in #: (866) 900-5706
Conference ID: 27236682
NOTE: In order to join using the telephone, you will be required to provide the Conference ID Number listed.
“We are concerned that providers could not achieve meaningful EHR use in 2011 if they wait until Spring 2010 – the expected date of HHS final approval of requirements – to begin adopting this technology,” said Mark Leavitt, M.D., Ph.D., Commission chair. “CCHIT has analyzed the recommendations of the Federal HIT Advisory Committees and is preparing to offer new paths to certification beginning this October. We invite vendors and developers to join us on a Town Call as we finalize the details of this process.”
For more information, read the press release. For more information on participating in the call, see the dial-in and log-in information.
CCHIT is hiring
The Certification Commission employs full-time staff members that assist with the coordination of volunteers, the testing of products for certification, and the management of the business as a whole. The following positions at the Certification Commission are currently open:
Details about each position and the application process can be found on the CCHIT careers page.
August 13, 2009
CCHIT Responds to HIT Policy Committee Recommendations, Analyzes Meaningful Use Matrix and Certification Criteria
On July 16, the HIT Policy Committee (an Advisory Committee to the National Coordinator) presented recommendations regarding EHR certification. CCHIT has responded to those recommendations with a letter outlining the Commission's certification program plans, explaining how they correspond to the recommendations, and identifying actions needed to regain lost momentum for EHR adoption. CCHIT staff, with the support of volunteers, has also analyzed the Meaningful Use matrix approved at the July 16 meeting, identifying gaps between the matrix and current or planned certification requirements. The CCHIT letter and analysis have been provided to ONC and its Advisory Committees.
CCHIT is hiring
The Certification Commission employs full-time staff members that assist with the coordination of volunteers, the testing of products for certification, and the management of the business as a whole. The following positions at the Certification Commission are currently open:
Details about each position and the application process can be found on the CCHIT careers page.
July 20, 2009
Record number of volunteers to assist with CCHIT efforts
Over 225 volunteers with the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) came together for a kickoff meeting last week in Chicago to update and broaden certification programs for electronic health record (EHR) technologies – some to be launched within 90 days, others in the months to follow.
The meeting was the largest ever for the Commission’s volunteer force, with over 80% of the 265 members serving on 19 work groups attending the 2-day conference. The volunteers represent a wide array of specialties, settings, and populations, enabling the Commission to offer tailored programs to serve their diverse needs.
For more information on the meeting, read the press release.
CCHIT delivers testimony to ONC sub-committee
On July 14, CCHIT Chair Mark Leavitt, MD, PhD, provided testimony to the Health Information Technology Policy Committee, a Federal advisory committee established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In the testimony, he provided clarification on recent changes to CCHIT certification and explained how those changes would make certification available to modular, open source, and self developed technologies as well as comprehensive EHRs.
Download the CCHIT presentation.
CCHIT launches Web site, revises name
CCHIT has launched a new Web site designed to make information about the certification programs more accessible to providers who wish to find certified EHR technology and software developers who are interested in applying for certification. Also included is additional information about ways stakeholders can participate in the certification process, such as volunteer for a work group or submit public comments. The Web address will remain www.cchit.org.
CCHIT also has made a small change in its name to more closely follow the standard in the HIT industry. The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology becomes the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology.
July 1, 2009
CCHIT comments on Meaningful Use matrix
One of the most debated topics of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as it applies to EHR is the concept of "meaningful use."
In a statement to the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), CCHIT offered:
The question of whether this EHR technology can be adopted and put into meaningful use in a timely way to meet the 2011-2012 incentives window is more difficult. The lag between a decision to invest in EHR technology and its full, meaningful use in a provider organization is 1 to 2 years at best, and more typically, 3 to 5 years. For this reason, we believe most of the measures proposed for 2011 would be difficult to achieve by providers who have not already begun EHR implementations. Given current adoption levels, the incentives would only be available to a small percentage of providers, potentially provoking disillusionment and frustration with the ARRA incentive program. Another issue is that the proposed measures -- while understandably focusing on the highest cost disease areas – are only relevant for a subset of healthcare providers and practices. Among the lessons learned by CCHIT is this: it is essential that a new program take into account the wide diversity of specialties and settings through which health care is delivered. CCHIT recommends that meaningful use measures be either simplified for 2011, or postponed until 2013. The intervening time may be used to develop consensus-based measures tailored to as many health care specialties and settings as possible.
Download the CCHIT letter to ONC and the annotated Meaningful Use matrix.
CCHIT Makes Certification More Accessible
With the goal of supporting more rapid, widespread adoption and meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology by physicians and hospitals eligible to receive funding under ARRA, CCHIT has unveiled three certification approaches to replace the current single one. The Commission held two town hall style Web meetings to gather stakeholder input on its proposed new paths to certification of electronic health record (EHR) technologies. They are:
- A rigorous certification for comprehensive EHR systems that significantly exceed minimum Federal standards requirements. This certification (EHR-C) would be targeted to the needs of providers who want maximal assurance of EHR capabilities and compliance
- A new, modular certification program for electronic prescribing, personal health records, registries, and other technologies. Focusing on basic compliance with Federal standards and security, the EHR-M program would be offered at lower cost, and could accommodate a wide variety of specialties, settings, and technologies. It would appeal to providers who prefer to combine technologies from multiple certified sources.
- A simplified, low cost site-level certification. This program would enable providers who self-develop or assemble EHRs from noncertified sources to also qualify for the ARRA incentives.
For more information on the new paths to certification, see the press release.
Response to Town Call questions
CCHIT always works to answer as many questions as possible during our Town Calls. Nonetheless, there are always some questions that we cannot address in the available time.
In an effort to ensure that all questions get answered, we respond to each and every question and post those responses to our site.
See the CCHIT responses to questions raised during our last Town Calls: New paths to certification and New paths to certification for open source.
CCHIT Receives Recommendations For New Certification
A special task force created by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology to provide strategic guidance on development for certification for long term and post acute care EHRs has completed its work, recommending a strong focus on the EHR technology requirements of the ARRA.
On June 16, the Long Term and Post Acute Care (LTPAC) Advisory Task Force delivered its recommendations to the Certification Commission which approved them unanimously. During its six weeks of work, the task force agreed that the LTPAC technical work group should identify core certification criteria common to four priority care settings for use in the initial EHR certification. These care settings are
- Skilled Nursing and Nursing Facilities
- Medicare Certified Home Health Agencies
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
- Long Term Acute Care Hospitals
For more information, see the press release.
Open source software proponent lauds CCHIT effort
We recently unveiled new options for CCHIT certification in a series of Town Calls. One of those calls was specifically designed to address the guidance we had received from the open source and FOSS (free and open source software) community.
One of the strong voices with that community is Fred Trotter, a staunch supporter of the FOSS for health care. He was a vocal and forthright critic of CCHIT’s previous certification scope, especially as it applied to the open source community.
Read Trotter's opinion on CCHIT's proposed changes.