Key Changes to the ONC HIT Certification Program

You probably already know that the current EHR certification program is a temporary certification program. The anticipated sunset of the temporary certification program is expected to occur upon the effective date of a final rule for the stage 2 proposed rule. At that time, the permanent certification program would become effective and known as the “ONC HIT Certification Program”. 

Proposed changes for stage 2 aim to increase regulatory transparency and add flexibility for the HIT community. ONC is proposing changes to the certification processes for EHR Modules that remove certain certification requirements and provide clear direction for certifying to proposed new certification criteria. The revised process would provide flexibility to quickly utilize newer versions of “minimum standard” code sets. Also proposed is an increase in certification transparency and clarity by making publicly available the test results used to certify EHR technology and clearly representing EHR technology that has been certified. Public comment is also invited on full cost transparency for certified Complete EHR and EHR Module.

Here's another interesting request for public input, a statement that corroborates our recent post on EMR switching. ONC writes in its Stage 2 Fact Sheet, "Data portability (including the migration from one EHR to the next) is a key factor in the EHR technology market where agility and innovation is necessary. We request public input on ways to improve data portability, including comment on a proposal to improve data portability for providers."

A final note: our discussion of Stage 2 is based on the proposed rule making. The 2014 Edition EHR certification criteria are opening for public comment through May 7. Only after this date will a final rule be published.

Alistair Jackson, M.Ed.