HHS is on track to implement the major health IT provisions of the federal economic stimulus package, according to the agency's recently released semi-annual regulatory agenda, Health Data Management reports.
HITECH Timeline
According to the agenda, sometime this month federal officials will publish:
- An interim final rule with a comment period to create an initial set of certification criteria, data standards and implementation specifications for electronic health records;
- An interim final rule with a comment period to designate health IT certifying entities; and
- A proposed rule to establish an incentive program through Medicare and Medicaid based on the "meaningful use" of EHRs.
The calendar also specifies that CMS will begin distributing incentive payments for hospitals on Oct. 1, 2010, and for physicians on Jan. 1, 2011 (Goedert, Health Data Management, 12/7).
HIPAA Timeline
HHS also released a schedule for implementing HIPAA privacy rule provisions that were strengthened under the stimulus package. The agenda indicates that:
- This month, HHS' Office for Civil Rights will publish a proposed rule on how health care providers, health plans and their business associates account for the use and disclosure of personal health information; and
- In February, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will publish a proposed rule on data breach notification.
Other Upcoming Health IT Dates
According to HHS' policy calendar:
- This month, the Health Resources and Services Administration will release a plan requiring states to develop reporting systems to track disciplinary action related to the licensure of physicians and hospitals;
- By March 2010, FDA will release a rule requiring drug and biologics prescriptions to include electronic package inserts for instant safety updates;
- In June 2010, FDA will release a rule on the electronic submission of safety data for drugs and biologics; and
- In September 2010, FDA will release a rule requiring medical device makers to submit registration and listing data electronically (Mosquera, Government Health IT, 12/7).
Pending Rules
HHS has yet to announce a time frame for developing a unique medical device identification system and establishing standards for the transactions of electronic claims attachments (Health Data Management, 12/7).