CCHIT, Drummond Group first to be approved as ONC-ATCBs

Image Source: Chicago Alliance of Community Health Centers

The Certification Commission for Health IT (CCHIT) has been recognized by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT as an Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) under the initial certification program created to certify that EHRs are capable of meeting the criteria to support meaningful use and qualify eligible providers and hospitals for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

CCHIT is authorized to offer certification for complete EHRs that meet all of the Stage 1, 2011/2012 criteria, as well as certification for modular EHR products that meet one or more – but not all – of the criteria. CCHIT plans to describe its application and testing process in a Sept. 20 webcast.

CCHIT said it will take new health IT developer applications immediately after the webcast, and the first group of certified complete EHRs and EHR modules will be announced within weeks of that launch. More information about the webcast will be available at http://www.cchit.org/towncalls.

In addition to ONC-ATCB certification, the commission said it will continue to offer its CCHIT Certified program for Ambulatory and Inpatient EHR products that exceed the ONC criteria.

Also today, the ONC announced the Drummond Group (DGI), of Austin, Texas, has been named an ONC-ATCB.

With the initial two ONC-ATCBs now named, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that EHR vendors can apply to them for certification of their products. By purchasing certified products, providers will have assurance that the products will support achievement of the meaningful use objectives.

“Multiple steps are underway to carry out the intent of Congress in supporting rapid and effective adoption of EHRs throughout our health care system,” said David Blumenthal, MD, national coordinator for health IT. “The naming of initial ONC-ATCBs is one important step.  Actual certification of multiple vendors’ systems by the ONC-ATCBs is an important next step. CMS is also working to create an online system for providers to register and attest for the EHR incentive programs. The first incentive payments are targeted to be made in May 2011. Meanwhile, ONC is also carrying out new programs of technical assistance and training, especially for smaller hospitals and physician practices.”

Applications for additional ONC-ATCBs are also under review, accordign to HHS.