The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has finalized a rule that aims to give eligible clinicians and hospitals greater flexibility in demonstrating meaningful use of electronic health record systems.
CMS said Friday it wants more providers to adopt certified EHRs and meet MU requirements such as using drug interaction checkers, giving clinical summaries to patients and reporting public health data.
“We listened to stakeholder feedback and provided CEHRT flexibility for 2014 to help ensure providers can continue to participate in the EHR incentive programs forward,†said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.
The rule extends the attestation period for stage 2 EHR MU program through 2016 and moves the start date of stage 3 to 2017, according to the agency.
CMS requires that all eligible providers implement the 2014 Edition CEHRT to attest during the next year.
