Breaking News: CMS Issued a New Proposed Rule for EHR Incentive Programs

EHR CMS logoNew NPRM Outlines Proposed EHR Requirements for Providers in 2015 through 2017

CMS issued a new proposed rule for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs to align Stage 1 and Stage 2 objectives and measures with the long-term proposals for Stage 3.

The modifications would allow providers to focus more closely on the advanced use of certified EHR technology to support health information exchange and quality improvement. The new rule proposes a change in the reporting period for meaningful use from one year to 90 days in 2015.

Proposed Changes for EHR Incentive Programs
Together with the proposed Stage 3 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued on March 20, 2015, the proposed rules align and merge the “stages” of meaningful use requirements.

The proposed rule changes the programs by:

  • Streamlining reporting by removing redundant, duplicative, and topped-out measures
  • Modifying patient action measures in Stage 2 objectives related to patient engagement
  • Aligning the EHR reporting period for eligible hospitals and CAHs with the full calendar year
  • Changing the EHR reporting period in 2015 to a 90-day period to accommodate modifications

For More Information
The new proposed rule may be viewed online. A fact sheet about the NPRM is also available. More information on the comment period for this proposed rule will be available soon.