The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released a set of draft test procedures to be used for testing and certifying electronic health record systems against the Stage 2 standards and certification criteria for the meaningful use program, Modern Healthcare reports (Conn, Modern Healthcare, 9/7).
Background
Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.
In August, HHS announced the release of the final rules on Stage 2 of the meaningful use program.
One of the final rules, issued by ONC, describes the Stage 2 standards and criteria for the certification of EHR systems. A fact sheet about ONC's final rule is available on the agency's website.
The final rule was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 4 (iHealthBeat, 8/24).
Details on the Draft Test Procedures
In a press release, ONC said it plans to post the draft test procedures "in waves" on its website.
The agency added, "All test procedures will undergo public review and comment before being finalized and approved by ONC for use in testing and certification."
Public comments on the draft test procedures can be submitted by email to ONC.Certification@hhs.gov (Modern Healthcare, 9/7).