The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (@CMSGov) invites electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) implementers to preview draft measure specifications using the clinical quality language (CQL) standard for logic expression. CQL is a Health Level 7 International standard for trial use and aims to unify the expression of logic for eCQMs and Clinical Decision Support. CQL provides the ability to better express logic defining measure populations to improve the accuracy and clarity of eCQMs. The official timeline for the incorporation of CQL is dependent upon outcomes of further CQL testing. More information about CQL is available on the eCQI Resource Center website.
When and where will the draft eCQM specifications be available for review?
The draft specifications are available now through November 13, 2017, on the CQM Issue Tracker via the following tickets:
- Eligible hospital and critical access hospital measures (CQM-2858)
- Eligible professional and eligible clinician measures (CQM-2860)
What do I need to do?
Measure implementers may review these draft eCQM specifications to become familiar with the CQL standard for logic expression. Implementers may submit questions or comments regarding the draft specifications via the tickets above. Please note these draft specifications are for informational review only. These draft specifications are not intended for submission of 2017 or 2018 performance/reporting for CMS programs.
Updated eCQM information for 2017 or 2018 performance/reporting is available on the eCQI Resource Center website.
Where do I go for assistance?
To learn more about CQL, visit the eCQI Resource Center CQL Educational Resources page. CMS will announce additional education and outreach opportunities regarding CQL later this year.
Measure implementers can report questions regarding the draft specifications and CQL to the CQM Issue Tracker.