HIMSS launches certification program for secure data transfer
HIMSS is launching ConCert by HIMSS, a testing and certification program that for secure and reliable transfer of data among EHRs, health information exchanges and health information services providers within and across organizational and state boundaries.
The new offering builds on the work of the EHR/HIE Interoperability Workgroup (IWG) and IHE USA, according to a release. ConCert by HIMSS offers an independent seal of approval for EHR, HIEs and HISPss and ICSA Labs serves as the testing and certification body. To achieve certification from ConCert by HIMSS, products must demonstrate rigorous, standards-based interoperability, according to the program’s constrained specifications.
The program addresses the ongoing challenge of getting IT systems to connect. “ConCert by HIMSS will attest to secure and reliable health information exchange between EHR and HIE products for both Direct and Query-based exchange,” said Joyce Sensmeier, RN-BC, MS, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, FAAN, vice president of informatics, HIMSS North America, in a release. “This voluntary testing and certification program will increase clarity in the marketplace and create the ‘pull’ for interoperability that we are lacking today by simplifying the process. Providers will now be able to identify certified interoperable products. And vendors that are certified through this program will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace."
iPatientCare is the first company to have earned the ConCert by HIMSS EHR certification. The following eight vendors are committed to completing certification testing in 2015:
- Cerner
- Corepoint Health
- Greenway Health
- Infor Healthcare
- InterSystems
- MEDfx
- NextGen
- Pulse Systems
More information on the ConCert by HIMSS testing and certification program will be available during HIMSS15 at the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase in the exhibit hall.
HIMSS is establishing an advisory committee to guide the program and seeks individuals to participate.
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.