CMS Finalizes Rule on Postponing MU Stage 3

On Friday, August 29, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule allowing eligible professionals (EPs) who participate in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program latitude for using Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT) for calendar and fiscal year 2014. EPs may now use the 2011 Edition, a combination of the 2011 and 2014 Editions, or the 2014 Edition CEHRT to participate. All EHR Incentive Program participants must use 2014 Edition CEHRT in 2015.

The final rule also extends Meaningful Use Stage 2 through 2016 and delays Stage 3 of meaningful use to 2017. ASA supported this delay and expressed appreciation for the intent of CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to analyze Stage 2 data in preparation for making Stage 3 criteria decisions. The proposed rule for Stage 3 meaningful use has not been released.

CMS has provided additional online tools for navigating this final rule. The CEHRT Rule Tool will guide you through the rule’s participation options. CMS has also provided a quick guide for participating in the program this year using either the 2011 or 2014 Edition CEHRT.

Questions about the EHR Incentive Program?

ASA offers additional information about the program on our website. CMS and ONC have made several reference tools available to guide you through the initial assessment stages. For a general overview of the EHR Incentive Program, including eligibility requirements, important dates and program incentives, please visit the CMS website. ONC provides information on EHRs for practices and physicians regarding the Health Information Technology certification process and questions on interoperability. 

The Final Rule can be read in its entirety here.

For additional information, please contact the ASA Department of Quality and Regulatory Affairs (QRA) at [email protected] or 202-289-2222.