CMS finalizes EHR Meaningful Use rule

On Aug 29 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a rule finalizing policy for EHR Meaningful Use. The rule includes a delay to the stage 3 meaningful use implementation for some reporters as well as more flexibility in certified EHR technology. 

Key provisions of the final rule include:

• Stage 2 meaningful use reporting is extended through 2016
• Providers can begin reporting Stage 3 meaningful use in 2017 at the earliest
• Providers can use 2011 or a combination of 2011 and 2014 Certified EHR Technology (CEHRT) for the 2014 reporting period.
• Note that all providers must use 2014 CEHRT for 2015 reporting.

Additional information about the final rule and EHR reporting requirements can be found on the CMS website.