Temporary EHR Certifiers Rule Posted
Federal Rule Outlines Selection of Certifiers
The rule creates a process by which an organization can become a certifier. Certifiers will check the functions of the software, including security provisions. "We anticipate that only a few organizations will qualify" the rule states.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, headed by David Blumenthal, M.D., developed the rule.
Healthcare organizations must use certified software to qualify for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program under the HITECH Act.
Regulators created the temporary certification program so that certifiers could be approved before the incentive program kicks in late this year. A permanent program will be created later.
