CMS announced today its intent to make significant changes to the EHR Incentive Program beginning in 2015. The proposed changes, though not yet codified in a proposed rule, include a much desired ease of the program requirements in 2015. They include:
- Aligning hospital EHR reporting periods to the calendar year (rather than the fiscal year) to allow hospitals to have more time to incorporate 2014 CEHRT into their workflows;
- Shortening the EHR reporting period in 2015 to 90 days to accommodate these changes; and
- Adjusting other portions of the program to “match long-term goals, reduce complexity, and lessen providers’ reporting burdens.”
These new rules are expected this spring. CMS clarified in its announcement that these proposed modifications will not be forthcoming in the Stage 3 proposed rule which is expected to be released in early March. CMS also indicated that it proposes to limit the scope of the Stage 3 proposed rule to criteria for meaningful use in 2017 and beyond.
To learn more about meaningful use and the EHR Incentive Program contact Elana Zana.
