CCHIT launches specialized EHR certification programs
The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) has launched new certification programs for EHRs in behavioral health--both as an optional addition to ambulatory EHR certification and as a stand-alone behavioral health EHR used in other outpatient settings.
The Chicago-based testing group also launched EHR certification for dermatology and long-term and post-acute care, which also includes optional add-on certifications for EHRs used in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Applications for certification of these products are now being accepted and final criteria, test scripts and certification materials are available here.
Health IT developers who participated in the pilot testing of these new CCHIT programs include:
The criteria and inspection processes for the new certification programs were developed by workgroup volunteers including physicians, hospitals, health IT developers, payers, healthcare purchasers and consumers, according to CCHIT. The development process included evaluating provider needs, understanding available standards, analyzing public response to drafted criteria and test scripts, and publication of a future road map of certification requirements for these new areas.
Applicants for CCHIT Certified product certification will be able to apply separately for testing and certification against the criteria and standards published as a final rule on July 13 by The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) of the Department of Health and Human Services, when that program is available.
CCHIT is certifying products in a preliminary American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program designed to test product readiness for final certification. Eligible providers and hospitals must use certified EHR technology certified in the HHS program to qualify for ARRA funding.
CCHIT currently offers EHR certification programs for cardiovascular medicine, child health and emergency departments. In addition, a certification program for EHRs used in clinical research will be available in the fall, and programs in women’s health and oncology are in development are planned for in launch the spring of 2011.
Last week, CCHIT announced that it has applied to become an ONC Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). ONC has said it expects the first ONC-ATCBs to be authorized in late summer.
The Chicago-based testing group also launched EHR certification for dermatology and long-term and post-acute care, which also includes optional add-on certifications for EHRs used in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Applications for certification of these products are now being accepted and final criteria, test scripts and certification materials are available here.
Health IT developers who participated in the pilot testing of these new CCHIT programs include:
- Answers on Demand;
- HealthMEDX;
- Netsmart Technologies;
- NextGen Healthcare;
- NexTech Systems;
- Texas Department of State Health Services;
- UNI/CARE Systems; and
- XLEMR.
The criteria and inspection processes for the new certification programs were developed by workgroup volunteers including physicians, hospitals, health IT developers, payers, healthcare purchasers and consumers, according to CCHIT. The development process included evaluating provider needs, understanding available standards, analyzing public response to drafted criteria and test scripts, and publication of a future road map of certification requirements for these new areas.
Applicants for CCHIT Certified product certification will be able to apply separately for testing and certification against the criteria and standards published as a final rule on July 13 by The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) of the Department of Health and Human Services, when that program is available.
CCHIT is certifying products in a preliminary American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program designed to test product readiness for final certification. Eligible providers and hospitals must use certified EHR technology certified in the HHS program to qualify for ARRA funding.
CCHIT currently offers EHR certification programs for cardiovascular medicine, child health and emergency departments. In addition, a certification program for EHRs used in clinical research will be available in the fall, and programs in women’s health and oncology are in development are planned for in launch the spring of 2011.
Last week, CCHIT announced that it has applied to become an ONC Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). ONC has said it expects the first ONC-ATCBs to be authorized in late summer.